ConMrvBlkm RcMKurcaB 
Ph&S;Buflin«d 



the: jkstbr, 



A COIVIEOV, 



-BY- 



LOUIS SPENCER DAHIEL, 



-WITH- 



Full Explanation and All Necessary Stage Business, 



AS PLAYED BY THE AUTHOR, 



-AND HIS- 



COMPANY OF AMERICAN PLAYERS. 



1893. 









Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1893, by 

LOUIS SPENCER DANIEL, 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



ACT FIRST— SCENE FIRST. 



Elegant Interior setting, John Mortimer's Room. Sir John 
Mortimer, outside, in hall enters on Servant's arm. Back center 
door. 

Easy ! Easy now ! E — asy ! This confounded rheuma- 
tism, gout or lumbago or whatever they call it (to servant who 
supports him.) What did they say I had? — Eh? 

James : Oh — er — ah — consumption — er — ah (James' great 
peculiarity is a very ridiculous laugh, a sort of gigle, and when 
reproved he always denies that he laughed. "I was'nt 
laughing.") 

Sir John : Now what in the duece are thou laughing at ? 

James : Oh sir — I — I wasn't laughing sir ! 

Sir John: "The rheumatism !" Ha! Ha! Ha! Why, I 
am as hearty and as hale (tries to jump) Ah !-ah !-ah ! here 
James — quick ! 

James : (comes to his aid and helps him to chair) Ah — 
ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! 

Sir John : What in the name of seven ages art thou laugh- 
ing at ? 

James: Er — ah— I — I wasn't laughing sir! Thou art too 
weak my lord. 

Sir John : "My lord," Thou hast been reading bad litera- 
ture ! To me thou must say — "Sir John !" And mind thee, do- 
not let me catch thee at any more of thy darned mockery. 
Thou shalt say, "Sir, dost thou hear .sir ?" 

James : (has not been paying much attention) Er — ah — 
dost thou hear sir ? 

Sir John : Sir ! 

James : Sir ! 

Sir John : Oh thou blooming idiot ! 

James : Sir ! 

Sir John : Wilt thou be kind enough to remove — to re- 
move — thyself from my presence, and stay out until thou art 
wanted? Go sir ! (Laugh comic — Exit James) Oh — James! — 

James I say ! 

{ - 



James : (re-enter) Yes, me-lord ! 

Sir John : W-h-a-t ! 

James! What? What-what? 

Sir John : What — and to me! Oh — 

James : Er — ha ! Er — ha ! Er — ha ! 

Sir John : Stop that laughing I say ! 

James : Er — ah — I — I was not laughing. 

Sir John : Oh Heavens! Is Miss Mortimer in,? 

James : Yes sir. 

Sir John : Tell her she is wanted, (exit James, getting his 
laugh in) That young larly must needs have a lecture. Her 
mother does not take the trouble; somebody must, so I'll begin,. 
It will never do to let young girls have their own way too much. 
A pretty young girl with her own way and plenty of money, is a 
dangerous .instrument. 

Fay Mortimer (enter as convenient) Thou has sent for me? 
Here I am father (goes to him as he is seated, puts one arm 
about his neck, kindly and lovingly.) 

Sir John : Yes, my child, (aside) Ton my life, this is awk- 
ward, I — I never scolded the child in m}^ life, (aloud) ahem ! — Fay! 

Fay : (surprised) Yes father, (smoothing his locks) 

Sir John : I was going to say, er — I was just going to say — 

Fay : Yes father ! 

Sir John : (aside) Well, what in the duece was I going to 
say? 

Fay: Ha! ha! ha! I'm sure thy little daughter can not 
guess. 

Sir John : (aside) Tut ! Tut ! I must not let her see me 
put out like this. (To Fay) Listen thou to me, my youn^- 
lady ! 

Fay : Yes father. 

Sir John : Who is the young swain that I have heard 
thee praising for the last few days ? Come now, out with it ; 
No secrets from thy father. Who and wliat is he?, 

Fay: Why, who canst thou mean father? Thou knowest 
all my friends dost thou not ? 

Sir John : Tis I who question thee. Come now, Fay, no 
trifling with thy father, child. Whojis the gentleman who "sings 
so sweetly ; whose eyes are so bright ; whose very words dotli 
sound like music?" Ah — 



■4 
Fay : Oh ! Now I understand thee father. Thou hast over- 
heard my conversation with Nina in the garden. It was cruel of 
thee to listen. Thou wilt not be angry with me father ? Thou 
speakest of the Jester. 

Fay: The Jester? 

Fay : Yes father — the Jester. Hast thou never seen nor 
heard of him ? It makes one very happy to know him, for he is 
so kind and gentle. Sadness and gloom vanish before him as 
darkness at the approach of the sun. He is so kind to me, fath- 
er — sings his sweetest songs to me when I am sad, and when my 
heart seems too full of joy for earth, he sings his saddest songs. 
No friends, no home nor parents hath he, no one but a tiny little 
sister whom he loves more than his life. And when I asked 
obout his mother he turned away for a moment and quickly 
changed the subject ; but when he spoke to me again his eyes 
were full of tears and I knew that I had touched upon the ten- 
derest chord, and I said no more. [Fa}' kneels ot his side during 
her speech.] 

Sir John : Yes ! Yes ! a tender chord — no doubt. Ah ! my 
tender-hearted little daughter, thou must not allow thy fancy to 
get the best of thee. Keep away from the people of whom thou 
knowest nothing. Thou must remember too, thy promise to Sir 
Walter Hammond, and thy promise to thy father. Beside my 
dear, 'tis not fit that Sir John Mortimer's daughter [should speak 
to outcasts and vagabonds. So there, my daughter, be more 
careful in the future. 

Fay : But father, he is not like others who crowd the 
street. He is noble and gentle, and although I know his heart is 
sad, he makes good cheer. Father, did it never occur to thee 
that I do not love Sir Walter ? Thou knowest 'twas thy choice, 
not mine. In obedience to thee, father, I acceptea him. Sir 
Walter is a great lord, but he whom men call the Jester is a gen- 
tlemon. 

Sir John : Umph ! I dare say, and some fine day thy dia- 
monds will be missing and the Jester will disappear. 

Fay : Oh father. 

Sir John : Beside, what would the world say, to know that 
Sir John Mortimer's daughter associated with montebanks and 
fools? We shall have no more such company. I forbid thee 
speakinti' to him. Dost hear? No more of the fool. 



Fay: Thou "art unjust father. Trhe he is poor, and an out- 
cast. He earns his living by the talents God hath given him. 
But he is no fool. 

Sir John : (rising) Well, what is the difierence. All fools 
are Jesters. 

Fay : But all Jesters are not fools. 

Sir John : Boldness is not becoming to my fairy. Go now, 
help me with ni}- coat and hat. I am going for a drive (as Fay 
is helping Sir John with coat, he taps bell and James enters) 
James, order my carriage ; I shall go for a drive. 

James: I beg thy pardon. Sir John, but there be an old 
hag at the door, and she insists on seeing thee immediately. ■ Er 
-ha ! er-ha ! er-ha ! 

Sir John: "An old hag?" What is her name and what 
does she want ? 

James: Do not know sir. She is the same one as came 
here once before to see thee. Er-ha ! er-ha ! er-ha ! er-ha. 

Sir John : (aside) "Mrs. Mabb !" The devil ; show her in ! 
No no, wait James ; I can't see her here. 

Mrs. Mabb: (enters) Oh yes, thou canst Sir John — Thou 
canst not bluff me like that if I am "an ugl}' hag" (motions at 
James who gets his laugh off with good effect.) 

Exit Fay with (aside) "What an odd old woman." Mrs. 
Mabb, going to door and coming in contact with .James who is 
about to enter, (but does not.) "Thou devil's laughing jack !" 

Sir John : Well, what dost thou want here Mrs. Mabb? 
Art thou not tired of worrying me ? Heaven knows I am tired 
of thee. 

Mrs. Mabb : But I am not tired of thee, "my dear John." I- 
need thee in my old age. Thou makest use of me when thou 
needest me, an now I need thee, in my old age. I need money. 

Sir Jonn'': Money ? Did I not send thee twenty pounds 
last week? Surely the brats — the brats can not ha.ve spent it all. 

Mrs. Mabb: No. The brats did not spend it all. I used it 
myself. Dost thou suppose I would stint myself for those brats? 
Then thou dost not know Mary Ann Mabb. Look here John — 
When thou didst ask me to help thee do away with thy brother 
Calvin's child I did not aslt thee the little odds and ends. Five 
years after thou gavest Edward to ny care thou earnest with an- 
(Hlier child to nic. I asked no (]U(>stions of tiiee. It was thy re- 



quest that I ask no questions converning this second child. I 
have reared for thy sake two children, a boy and girl. One of 
them is the rightful Earl of Rockford. That is all I know of the 
two brats. That's all I want to know. But thou didst promise 
me one hundred pounds per month until my death, or until the 
brats were weaned. Well, I have done my duty, and I am here 
for money. Will I get it or not ? 

Sir John : No : Not another shilling ! I'll not be imposed 
on like this any longer, (leans over to tap bell on table, Mrs. 
Mabb stopping him.) Hold on John, Hold on! Do not be rash. 
In a few years, perhaps, I can manage to get rid of the brats. 
Edward is making money ; he will soon be a man. He is very 
proud. He is ashamed of me and will not stay with me much 
longer, and as he is fond of the little one he will take her with 
him. 

Sir John : Edward is fond of her, didst thou say ? 

Mrs. Mabb: Well, that's what I said! And rest assured I 
shall raise no objection whenever they choose to run away from 
me. Now John, be sensible ; thou hast two many irons in the 
fire to trifle with me. Come, I want ten pounds. 

Sir John : And next week thou wilt want ten pounds 
more. By the bye, did I not warn thee against coming here; did 
not I forbid thy coming to my house ? 

Mrs. Mabb: Now see here Johnny ! lam good enough to 
come to thy house, or to anybody else's house. 

Sir .John: Oh! Thou art— art thou ? Well I don't think 
so! And curse thee, thou combination of smuggled ugliness, I 
will give thee five pounds, and if thou darest come here again, I 
will have the servants throw thee out into the street. 

Mrs. Mabb: No no! That wont do, my "handsome sweet- 
heart ;" that wont do , that w-o-n-t do ! I don't care for the ugly 
names — "curses like chickens, come home to roost." But I want 
money, and I mean to have it ! Dost see this letter John ? Oh — 
you recognize, it? Ha! Ha! Ha! I thought so. 

Sir John : Wretch! Give me those papers! I will have 
them and any cost! At any cost —even if I have to murder 
thee ! 

Mrs. Mabb : I should think one murder would be a fit cli- 
max for all thy numerous crimes. So thou wouldst murder me? 
Ha! lia ! ha! Well, when thou chooseth John Mortimer, but 



rememlicr I hold papers of confession that would hang thee, if 
turned over to the authorities. Thou didst not know that thou 
w^ert walking into my trap when thou wrotest me this letter, 
didst thou? Ah I No! Thou wert too good to come and talk 
with me in my humble home, but thou must write it all. Ha! 
ha! ha! 

Sir John : Great Heavens? Will I never finish paying for 
my follies ? 

Mrs. Mabb : Yes. 

Sir John : And wlien, pray tell me !— when thou art in the 
grave I suppose ? 

Mrs. Mabb : No Joim. Thy troubles will only, begin then ; 
for thou wilt have no one to help thee carry out thy treacherous 
plans. I say John, thou wilt be lonesome without me. But, we 
shall meet again John, dear, in a world beyond. (Points down 
instead of up. John does not see it.) 

Sir John : I trust that when we enter that great world 
above — (pointing upward and looking upward; Mrs. Mabb in- 
terrupes.) 

Mrs. Mabb : Hold on John ! hold on ! Not up there, but 
down yonder. (Pointing downward.) Ha! ha! ha! ha! 

Well, give me fifty pounds and I will give thee back thy 
letter, and keep the coast clear for a whole month. 

Sir John : Thou wilt give me the letter? 

Mrs. Mabb : Aye, fifty pounds first! 

Sir John : Here, here are one hundred pounds; give me the 
letter and never let me hear from thee again, or see thy ugly face. 

Mrs. Mabb : Good ! good ! This will keep me quiet for a 
cool thirty days, and maybe longer (going). Good day to thee 
John. Take good care of thy sweet self! 

Sir John : One moment ! Stay ! Tell me something about 
the two children I have entrusted to thy care. What are they 
like? The boy, Edward — is he handsome, and what of the lit- 
tle one ? 

Mrs. Mabb : (returns from door, rubbing hands) Well ! 
well ! Upon m}^ soul now^ — the boy, Edward, is handsome, and a 
manly lad he is too. A great favorite with all the lassies down 
in our neighborhood. But then thou knowest. Sir John, I have 
been mighty particular about his raising. "Spare the rod, and 
spoil the child." 



7 

S i r J ( ) h n : VV h at ! Y o u beat them ? 

Mrs. Mabb: Now sit down! You never raised a child in 
your life. 

Sir John : Go on ! Tell me about the children. 

Mrs. Mabb : Well now, Edward. 1 think thou shalt have 
cause to be proud of him some day. r3oAvn in our parts they call 
him the Jester. 

Sir John: The Jester? 

Mrs. Mabb : Well now, that's what I said. I knew thou 
wouldst be surprised as well as proud. When Mary Ann Mabb 
educates a lad he is a daisy. They call him the Montebank or the 
Jester — the Mez'ry-Maker you see. At night he goes with the 
players to the play house and helps to make the people laugh, 
and they pay him money. In the day he goes out upon the 
highway and makes merry for the crowds. But when he passes 
his hat ! My ! Thou shouldst see the pennies they cast to him. 

Sir John : (aside) My poor Calvin's child. 

Mrs. Mabb : "My poor Calvin's child !" Bah ! I guess he's 
pretty much in thy interest, hey? Hump! Well sir! Thou 
shouldst see the little "she brat" dance, and hear her sing : When 
she gets a little older I'll make her earn a handsome living in 
the street with her pretty face. That I will, (rises to go) 

Sir John : Oh ! This is too much ! Too much ! 

Mrs. Mabb : Well, I'll leave you to enjoy it. (Goes to door, 
returns and taps Sir John on shoulder.) I say ! Sir John, thou 
hast a pretty daughter — your Fay I mean. 

Sir John : Well what of her ? How dare you speak her 
name? 

Mrs. Mabb : Edward is a handsome lad. All the lassies fall 
in love with him. Ha! ha! ha! ha! 

Sir John : Well, what of that ? 

Mrs. Mabb : Thy daughter loves him! I know it! Ed- 
ward would make a good match for her. Good day John 
(exit) 

Sir John : (after she goes, taps bell and James enters.) 
James, order the carriage. Tell lady Mortimer I wish to speak 
with her. (as James is about to go) — and James, never admit 
that old woman into the gates again — do you hear? 

James : Yes sir 1 Te-he ! te-he ! te-he ! te-he ! (exit) 

Sir John : If many more troubles come upon me I shall be 



prostrated, I know I shall. Ah well — I'll go to-day and see Sir 
Walter Hammond and hasten the marriage betweem himself and 
Fay. It must bo hastened ! I foresee a storm. (Fay stands in 
door in time to hear this conversation.) I am losing faith in 
Mrs. Mabb, and Fay has foolishly fallen in love with some hand- 
some vagabond. I'll marry her to wealth and station, and do 
away with the responsibility of looking after her. Beside, the 
day she becomes old Hammond's wife, I am to have fifty theus- 
and pounds — a sum not so easily picked up every day. (exit 
at other door — does not see Fay, who has been listening.) 

Fay : (enter) Fifty thousand pounds ! Whew ! (walks 
across to mirror and looks at her image.) Fifty thousand pounds 1 

Lady Mortimer : (enters) What about fifty thousand 
pounds dearest ? 

Nay : Oh nothing mother — nothing. 

Lady Mortimer: Why my child, what is the matter? 
There is a great big tear in your eye. Come, tell mother all 
about it. 

Fay : Well you see mother— father has lots of fine cattle 
and he is going to sell his favorite for fifty thousand pounds. 
The one I have heard bim say an hundred times that he loved 
better than his life. 

Lady Mortimer : Well ! well ! well ! And is that the cause 
of all thy sadness? My foolish child ! 

Fay : Yes mother — that is the cause of it all. I — I am" 
veiy silly, am I not ? 

Lady Mortimer : Indeed thou art. But tell me my child — 
which one of the animals it is thou hast taken such an interest in ? 
From thy earliest childhood thou wert found of animals. I sup- 
pose you have fallen into a little crying spell. Tell me 
which one of the animals it is— one of the blooded stock? Are 
you very much interested. Perhaps I can persuade Sir John. 

Fay : Oh mother! I am sure you cannot. Yet I am deep- 
ly interested in the little animal. When Sir John comes in ask 
him about the little animal that he is going to sell for 
fifty tiiousand pounds. Now kiss me mother, and I will run 
and get ready for lunch. (Kisses and runs, exits back.) 

Sir John : (enters left stage door) Oh ! Waiting my dear? 
I sent James for thee ; I am going for a long drive — shall 
not return until about an hour after moonrise. 



Lady Mortimer : Where art thou going dear? Can I not 
go with thee ? 

Sir John : Impossible ! Too long a journey. I shall pass 
through Downer, and on to Rockford castle, to where some lag- 
ard tenants are at work. As I shall not return until late, do 
not wait supper for me. 

Lady Mortimer : But suppose thou shouldst fall sick, or an 
accident should come to thee, those rough tenants would not 
know how to wait on thee. 

Sir John : If they should wait on me lialf as patiently as I 
wait on them for their rents I shall be satisfied. So there dear, I 
must hurry away, the sun is already high into the Heavens. 
Good day dear, (kisses her) Where is my little fairy — is she 
not coming so kiss me ? 

Mrs. Mortimer : Ah! The poor child has just gone to her 
room. Her heart is almost broken because she heard that thou 
wert going to sell one of thy favorite animals for fifty thousand 
pounds. (Sir John starts fearfully.) Is it true John? And 
which one is it ? Why John, what is the matter? There seems 
to be a mystery about that animal and the sale of it. Tell me 
what it is dear? 

Sir John : Ha ! ha ! ha ! Oh its all a fairy tale 1 , All a 
fairy tale. Only a joke, (exit back door center.) 

Fay : (enters at door behind, as they go out.) A joke! my 
life — my happiness a joke. What am I to expect of the rest of 
the world, when my own father betrays my happiness, and goes 
over to my enemies for as much gold as I could hold in my two 
hands thus? (Crosses over to door in hall as if watching Sir 
John.) Ah ! Sir John, thou need not throw kisses to me 1 
Thou hath put me on my guard and I must make the best of "a 
joke." (Comes back into room and seats herself at table. 
James is seen outside large open doors,) 

Sir John : (outside — distance) I say, James ! If that Jes- 
ter conies around here to-day just kick him off the grounds and 
warn him never to return ! 

James : Alright sir! 

Fay: If you do James, thou shalt be discharged within the 
hour ! 

James : Sir John corrimands ! 

Fay : And so do I ! Obey me, or I shall have the servants 



tie thee and horse-whip thee before Sir John returns ! Dost 
hear sir ? 

James : Yes marm ! 

Fay : If there is to be an}^ kicking done here to-day, I 
shall do it myself. Dost hear ? 

James : Yes marm ! Te-he ! te-he ! te-he ! 
Fay ; That will do ! You may go ! Stay ! Bring me pen 
and paper. (James obeys. She writes. James retires.) 

To Edward, called the Jester : 

"Thou wiit pardon this liberty and over-look my haste. 
Since our last conversation on the lawn something dreadful has 
happened. I must speak with thee and have thy council on a 
most important matter. To-night at moonrise meet me down at 
the east side of the lawn near to the harbor. Do not fail. I 
have found out whom thy father was. At moon-rise to-night- 
East side of lawn near harbor. Remember!" F. M. 

(She folds letter, rings bell and James enters.) 

Yes marm ! 

Fay: When .the Jester passes, instead of kicking him, give 
him this letter. Mind thee ! ^ay not a word to him. Dost un- 
derstand ? 

James : Yes marm ! Te-he ! te-he ! te-he ! (exit) 

Fay : Fifty thousand pounds ! He prizes me highly. Too 
true! — "Every man has his price.' But what price is so great 
that it will induce a true father to part with the child he loves ? 
Ah ! I do fear me — something has gone wrong. Perhaps, I 
have not been a good daughter to Sir John. But Heaven knows 
I have done my best to please him. Gold ! And I must go and 
be a slave to old Sir Walter Hammond. Have I no right to 
love, no right to be loved ? 'Tis cruel ! Only a joke ! Ha ! ha! 
ha! ha! "A joke?'' Yes we shall call it a joke, as we would 
call life and love and freedom a joke, (enter Lady Mortimer 
center door.) 

Lady Mortimer: Come dear! Why what is the matter? 
Still shedding lears over the sale of a poor animal? Ha! ha! 
ha! Brush away thy tears. I have spoken to Sir John and he 
declared it all a joke. So dry thy bright eyes and come lets in 
to lunch. 

Fay : (slowly and thouglitfully) A joke? 



11 

Lady Mortimer : Why certainly, only a joke. Sir John 
loves to tease. Come lets in to lunch ! Why Fay! why art thou 
so sad and of what art thou thinking, (this while they are going 
toward back center door) and what ails thee ? 

Fay : I do not know mother what ails me to day. I — I 
have been thinking of mankind. 

Lady Mortimer: Of man : That is too deep a subject for 
thy youug head. 

Fay: Say rather — too shallow! (Lady Mortimer laughs 
gaily.) Human nature with all its odds and ends of wealth, 
even when at its best, is fickle. As we count upon the blowing 
of the wind, somay we count upon humanity. The condition 
of the earth's movement makes the changes in the winds ; so the 
condition of a man's liver makes the change in man's tempera- 
ture. At the best we are but animals of a higher order — brutes 1 
Sume of us ! (Interior c!oses in — open woodland scene. Exit 
both.) 

SCENE II-ACT I. 

East side of lawn, moonlight night — 2d grove front, to close 
in interior and give time for an interior change. A bench, 
or seat of some sort in this scene. At left exit there must be a 
stone wall, a fence or something for Jester to climb over. 
He is heard singing, whistling or playing guitar 
outside ; he talks as he climbs the wall and does 
not read the letter until he gets on top of the wall. 

The Jester : "At moon-rise." Sure, 'tis moon-rise now. 
'^At the east side of the lawn near harbor." This is the east side 
— this is the lawn and — and yonder is the harbor. Now I do 
wonder, what she wants with me ! Whan can have happened? 
(opens letter again and reads) She knows who my father is — 
ha! ha! ha! ha! — ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! — thats too good! She 
knows wlio my father is." Sure and me thinks me knows that 
me self. But then that is saying "I am a wise son." I wonder 
how she came to know so much. Ah well! there's no counting 
on what a woman knows, (after looking around a little) Tis 
time she was come. 

"A pretty place, and a pretty night, 
And a pretty girl — ^^just in sight." 



12 ■" 

I shall hide here and give her a little surprise, (gets behind 
-wing, box or something. Must be seen by audience all time) 
Now I wonder what she can want with me, and how she man- 
aged to get away from the old man. Tut! tut! I've got more 
curiosity in my bones thto an old woman. Ah ! JHere she 
comes like a tardy school girl. Running a race with the moon. 
Perhaps she's after the man in the. moon. One woman too 
many. (Enter Fay stage right, closely Avrapped, followed by 
Nina, her maid. 

Fay : This is the spot Nina dear, but he has not yet come 
'Tis ever thus, we poor women must be all patience and wait 
their pleasure. 

Nina ! After this discovery of Sir John's plots, ^ 
should think nothing would disappoint or surprise thee. 
Art thou quite sure thou didst not mistake his wsrds ? I am 
sorry thou didst tell it me — I had loved Sir John and now I hate 
him. 

Fay : Thou art the only one to whom I can go to with my 
sorrows. I could not keep the secret. 

Jester: (aside from hiding place) I never saw a. woman 
that could keep a secret. 

Nina: Thou art right my dear Fay.. No secrets shall ever 
come between us. 

Fay : Nina, thou art more like to a sister than a maid, 
(kisses her,) Go dear and wait at yonder elm until I call thee. 
'Tis time Edward was coming. (Nina goes out right. Fay re- 
turns as she talks and sits on bench with her back to where the 
Jester is hiding.) Suppose he does not come at all. Perhaps he 
thinks me over-bold and will not come.' It was indeed rash for 
me to come here. May haps Edward thinks me over-bold and 
scorns me. He will not come! Oh ! And what am I to say to 
him when he does come? (Jester creeps up behind her.) 

The Jester: (catching her in his arms) Say that thou dost 
love him! (Fay screams and faints, hecatches her in his arms.) 
Mercy upon her! She has fainted. 

Nina: (rushing in) Thou hast frightened -my poor young 
mistress to death ! 

Jester: 'Twas very thoughtless in me, I do confess. 

Nina : Give her to me !• Open this bottle. 

Jester: Take her ! I know nothing of women. (Nina gets 



smelling bottle open, smells it and goes to sneezing. While 
sneezing she holds out bottle to Jester. His left arm is around 
Fay. He takes bottle with his right — smells it first, and both 
he and Nina are thrown into a violent fit of sneering. Nina and 
Jester both are making laughable attempts to remove Fay^ 
whose arms are locked about Jester's heck. Between sneezes 
Jester kisses first one and then the other. The smelling bottleji 
has now started Fay to sneezing. Jester has Nina in his right 
arm and Fay in his left. Both of the girls have their arms 
locked about him They are all sneezing. Now they are almost 
through sneezing. Both girls resting easy. Jester says — "a ^jo- 
filtion of trust !" The girls are pillowed — now they slowly raise 
their heads and the two girls — their heads only about seven 
inches apart — gaze into each others eyes. As Fay exclaims 
"/Vina.'" that individual over-come with blushes— runs away 
(exit) crying.) ''Oh you horrid laavP'' 

' Fay: (still resting on Jester) Ah! me! (sighing) 

Jester : Poor little lady ! Did I frighten thee? It was 
very naughty of me. Thou wilt forgive? (kisses her effectively) 
Come lets rest here, (leads her to bench) 

Fay : I have much to say to thee Edward. I — I was so 
afraid thou wouldst not come. 

Jester : Thou couldst not doubt me? 

Fay: Doubt thee? No Edward! Twas a childish fear. 
I was afr&id thou hadst met with some accident — some ill luck, 
(Jester laughs appreciatively.) Hast thou been well and happy, 
and what hast thou been doing since last we met? Diflst thou 
succeed at the play-house, and what of thy little sister ? 

Jester: Thy questions — fair one, like thy charms o'er 
whelm me. Now to begin : I arrived here before thee. Thou 
wert late, but away with that. A woman is always allowed thir- 
ty minutes. The little one at homo— why, she is as happy as a 
queen ! I bought her a new frock. And it — 

Fay : — Yes ? How much did it cost ? 

Jester : A shilling ! 

Fay: Oh! My!! 

Jester: Well now, it was very expensive, was it not ? 

Fay : V-e-r-y ! 

Jester: Oh! We never mind the cost of anything. She's 
as proud of it though it had cost ten pounds. Thy third ques- 



1-; 
tion ; "What have I been doing?- Ah Fay — -I beg thy pardon 
— Miss Mortimer ! 

Fay : (putting hand to his mouth) No no! The first was right! 

Jester: (to cover embarassment) Now please df) not inter- 
rupt me, "mv dear Fay," or I shall never be able to answer th.y 
questions. Since I saw thee last I have toiled very hard, day 
and night, with but one object and one thought To make my- 
self worthy of thee, was the object, and thou art my only 
thought. The world is not always kind, and fortune plays with 
us as a playful kitten toys with a mouce. This nioment it al- 
lows us freedom and life, and next it holds us under its claw.'-. 
To prolong the amusement it turns the mouce free, only to 
bring it back into- its power again, and Avhen it is tired of its 
plaything it crushes the hopeful little mouse. So, fortune plays 
with us. It lets us go — but with that strong chain called "pov- 
erty," it draws us back again! 

Fay: Thou art unhappy ? 

Jester ! No ! For thou art with me now ! 

Fay : But when I am no longer with thee? 

Jester: Then I go back into the life that has so few pleas- 
ures for me. 'Tis my duty to amuse the world. They are like 
so many children and must be humored and taken in their 
nivjod. Tlicy smile when /smile, but when I weep I weep alone. 
'Tis ever so. But I do not care for their pity. The silent battle 
that is taking place here in my breast is mine — and must be 
fought by me alone. 'Tis a njortal and a sacred combat. "The 
Jester!" Knowest thou the n:eaiiiug of that? 'Tis the polite 
way of sajang "The Fool." There are two kinds of fools. "Wise 
fools" and "darned fools." The v\'ise fools make foot stools out 
of the darned fools. But come, thou knowest a secret that is 
dearer to me than my life. Thou knowest who and what my 
father was; impart that which thou knowest to me I pray thee, 
and make me a wiser and happier man. I would clear my mind 
of a doubt that has been the greatest (iurse of my youtb- 

Faj' : All that I know, I learned of an old woman that came 
to see my father. She was old and bent with age, and her face 
contained a voUnne of wickedness. She passed m& in the lawn 
and tried to take my hand, and when I drew away with fear slu' 
laughed a horrid laugh, and told me I was loved by one whom 
men call "The Jester." 



.1 ester : And so thou art! 

Fay : And then she muttered some words I could not un- 
derstand. I drew nearer to her and gave her a coin, which she 
clutched greedily, and then with words of flattery she linked oar 
names and said I should never have cause to be ashamed of thee 
for thou wert the son of a great Earl. 

Jester : Great Heavens ! It was Mrs. Mabb 1 

Fay ; And who, I pray thee te!l me, is Mrs. Mabb? 

Jester: Listen Fay! The world says she is my grand- 
motlier. Dost thou believe it? 

Fay : I can not believe it ! 

Jester : I do not — will not — believe it! Would she not tell 
thee the name of that earl, or give thee some clue? 
Fay : No — although I offered her gold. 

Jester : I shall ring a confession from her before to-mor- 
row's sun comes and goes again ! 

Fay : Thou art not the only unfcM'tunate, Edward. I too 
have cause for sorrow. . 

Jester : How so? 

Fay : Sir John has made me the promised liride of Sir 
Walter Hammond. 

Jester: Rut thou didst not consent?. 'Twas not thy 
will ? 

Fay : No ! But Sir John has sold me to him. 

Jester: What! Do I hear aright? Sell thee as he would 
bargain cattle or slaves? Impossible ! 

Fay : ' Tis true ! I have it fi'om his own lips. 

' Jester: Well. I'll be How much did he get for 

thee ? 

Fay : Fifty thousand pounds ! 

Jester : Fifty thousand ! You brought a good price didn't 
you ? Sir John ought to raise some more just like thee. He 
would own England! (Looks Fay over carefully — takes her chin 
in his hand — raises her head and kisses her.) Thafx worth ten 
shillings! (He seats hf^r on bench and gets around to her back 
— leans over her.) Affairs in England are indeed assuming an 
odd shape. Tell me one thing, and tell me truly. Suppose a 
poor lad, alone and friendless in this world — a lad who toils ear- 
nestly for an honest living — a lad who thinks of thee all the day 
and dreamsof theeat night — a lad sees thy image, no matter when he 
wanders; suppose that lad loved thee more than his own life, but 



would not punish thee by asking thee to be his own, because — 
be — because he was ignorant of his birtii, couldst thou, wouldst 
thou love him Fay? (He bends closely over her and tries to see 
her face. Fay shows the audience her emotion. The audience 
must also see the effect of her hesitation upon the Jester. The 
audience must see the struggle in the hearts of bdch. Suddenly, 
Fay can control herself no longer— she looks (juickly upward 
into his face (over her head) — sees his sadness and throws her 
arms backward and clasps them around his neck. No word is 
uttered. A deep sigh from Fay as though some deep burden 
were heaved from off her soul. The Jester's arms are about her. 
They hold this picture about ten seconds.' Nina comes on right, 
sees their position and rushes back. The Jester unclasps Fay's 
arms. Holds her hands in his on his breast and says — looking 
upward.) "There will be no sale." 

Fay : How can we prevent it Edward ? 

Jester: By faith in God, and thy earnest prayers. 

Nina : (rushing in hurriedly) Quick ! Away ! Sir John 
is coming, (points stage left) 

Fay : Go Edward ! Do not let him see thee here ! 

Jester: Canst thou trust me? 

Fay: Always! 

Jester : May Heaven bless thee ! 

Fay: Goodnight! — Goodnight! (exit right, followed by 
Nina.) 

Nina: (returns almost immediately as if hunting f(^r some- 
thing.) I lost — I — I — lost my — 

Jester : (who pretends to assist search, grabs her and kisses 
her, saying as he does so.) Here it is ! (exit Nina. Jester 
seated on bench. Enter Sir John stage left. He discovers Jes- 
ter and stops.) 

Sir John : What dost thou here? Move on ! 

Jester: Resting, Sir! Good luck to thee and thine! 

Sir John : Well, I've got everything that thou canst steal 
under lock and key! Better go thy way! 

Jester: My good father, I know thee not! But wilt thou 
answer me one honest question ? 

Sir John : Say on ! 

Jester: Tf thou art an honest man, for such I take thee to 
be, whv dost tliink me a rogue? 

Sir John : Did I sav thou wert a rosjue ? 



Jester : Thou didst! 

Sir John : I know thee by thy clothes. 

Jester : Who am I — What am I ? 

Sir John : Nobody ! No — nothing ! 

Jester: I am discovered! (aside) But I think I am a 
better judge of human nature than he is. I'll play him a role! 
(aloud) Thou sayest aright my good old man. I see thou 
knowest me. When I was quite a lad, I had a terrible blow on 
my head. When I recovered from the shock it was found that 
I had an insane desire to track thieves and murderers and all dis- 
honest men. And now I make an honest living by running 
down dishonest men. The royalty of England employ me, and 
more than one man have I chased into London Tower. Aha ! 
Dost thou no^ recognize the celebrated "B. B."? 

Sir John : ''B. B."— What's that ? 

Jester : Billie Bubbles ! 

Sir John: No! no! no! I recognize nothing! What 
dost thou want with me ? And why art thou here ? (fear) 

Jester : Ah ! Sir J(jhn Mortimer, I have been at thy heels 
for twenty years ! 

Sir John : Thou hast no beard. Thy tale is false. 

Jester : Aha ! That is my secret. Thy father employed 
me when thou wert a tiny little boy to rid him of cattle thieves. 
I never grow old ; like King Richard — I was born with teeth 
and came into this world on my feet. 

And I loved thy /father Sir John. For his sake I have, 
spared thee. But there is one above, whose powers are omnipo- 
tent — with Him thou wilt soon have a settlement. 

Sir John : Thy face is too young thus to deal with me — 
down vagabond or whatever thou art and tell me what thou 
knowest! (catches Jester's left arm with his right, grips him 
down to left knee.) 

Jester : Be careful how thou dealest with thy fathers most 
dangerous weapon! Think on thy crimes Sir John! Of that last 
deed of injustice — the sale of she whom thou callest thy 
daughter ! Aha ! I know all. Oh, thou art a bold, bad son. 
Surely thou didst not think to hide thy crimes from all the 
world ? 

Sir John : Crime! What crime? Art thou })laying with 
me boy ? Tell me all thou knowest! 



IS 

Jester : Surely tbou thinkest I know but little, to tell it all 
in few words. Leave go my arm — you hurt me! 

Sir John : What art thou — man or devil? 

Jester : Devil ! (rises and vies with Sir John. Their eyes 
meet for the first time,) 

Sir John : Boy! Where got you those eyes? Thy name 
is— ?— 

Jester: (When Sir John releases his hold, the Jester dus-ts 
his knee and arm) — [aside] Sure, and I believe he is going to 
claim kin wdth me. (aloud) Oh — these eyes? Well, I don't 
remember just now where I got them ; for you see I've had them 
for some little time. In fact ever since I came into the world. 

Sir John : But your family name ? 

Jester : Since men call me the Jester, why not say my fath- 
er was Mr. Jester and my mother Mrs. Jester? The Jester fami- 
ly is a large one — our name is legion ! (significantly) All fools 
are Jesters! Good night brother! Ha! ha! ha! ha! (teas- 
ingly.) 

Sir Jr)hn: (angrily) He who laughs last, laughs best ! 

Jester: Yes, but the one that laughs first has the most fun ! 
(exits left laughing.) 

Sir John : A wise fool ! He knows too much ! Those 
eyes! lean never forget them ! How like Calvin as I forced 
him down upon his knees! The laugh, the voice — all sound as 
one! "The Jester!" I must get rid of him, cost what it may! 
My brother's ghost seems upon my track to-night. I can find no 
rest nor sleep. I must to the priest ! No! I'll not confess ail- 
not yet. (Jester comes in 1 a,s Sir John goes r) 

Jester : The most eventful night of my existence ! Here's a 
pretty caper! (mimics) "Where got you those eyes?" (laughs 
heartily) ^t's a wonder he did not demand my license for liv- 
ing. "Where got you those eyes ?" (laughs heartily) These 
English Lords are a most presuming lot of asses. Why, they 
think no one has a right but themselves. "Where got you those 
eyes, (laughs heartil}^ I think I'll go consult a looking glass, 
(is going to stage left apd sees Fay's kerchief on the ground 
where she has dropped it) A kerchief! Hers'! [handles ten- 
derly] Hers' ! (presses it to his lips) Hers' ! (looks at it 
thoughtfully) Yes, it is hers\ (is about to place it into his 
bosom — stops) Next to my heart! Oh! What a fool I am! 



19 

She surely does not care for me, and I — what^ care I for her? 
(throws keichief upon ground, goes le^t — stops) 'Tis not for me 
to love. Poor devil that I am, and wedded to my art — 'tis mad- 
ness : Away with thoughts of love ! "Love?" Who speaks of 
love? (laughs heartily) A fool in love! "Love?" 'Tis but a 
passion — that comes and goes and comes again. "Love?" Not I 
— why — why 'tis but a weakness. Tut! Tut! , To home and to 
bed — to-morrow 'twill be done, (turns and gazes abstractly at 
kerchief on ground) "To-morrow." Do I love her? No! But 
— but I like her. (goes to kerchief — down on one knee, lifts the 
kerchief with great tenderness, as though it were a thing as dear 
as life) I love her ! (doubt returns) I think I love her. 
(presses kerchief to his lips) I know I love her ! (thrusts ker- 
chief and hand into his shirt) Yes! I love her madly! (Pic- 
ture.) 

[Curtain on First Act.] 



ACT 2d— SCENE 1st. 

Exterior —street scene. First Groove near stage enter Mrs. 
Mabb, drunk and drinking, stage left. 

Mrs. Mabb : Keep them ? Ha ! ha ! ha ! I'll keep the 
brats ! But I must have mone}^ ye know. Money ! Ah ! 
Money buys rum ! Money does everything. 'Tis the sap that 
keeps alive the oak— the soil that makes the plant to grow, the 
rain and the dew that refreshes and gives vigor to the plant. I 
must have money for taking care of the children, (drinks from 
bottle) That Edward ! Bah ! (drinks) He sets the street ur- 
chins to prating, and when I go into the street they jeer at me. 
Ca!l mc vagabond ! Call me she-devil ! That does he. I'll tan 
his back when I get well and strong again. The ranting demon ! 
"A horse! A horsed" Oh ! I'm getting sick of him. He sets me 
wild with his spouting. He knows too much ! He knows too 
much! He ought to be in a mad house. "A horse! A horse!" 
He'll ride to hell some fine day, and I'll be glad of it ! (drinks) 
But he is a great Earl's son. That's my secret. 'Tis worth 
gold, (drinks) After all, he's a good lad. Edward is a good 
lad. He gives me pennies sometimes, to buy rum with. Life 
wmild not be worth living without rum. (drinks) That devil 



20 

doctor [holding left side] tells me the heart in my bod}' will sud- 
denly stop its beating and I shall die. It will, eh ? [drinks] 
Trying to scare me — cheat me out of my money. My hearts 
alright! I say [drinks] my hearts alright! It's rum I need I 
Good — old — rum! [catching left side] Eh! eh! eh! eh! 
That pain again ! All caused by that Edward, ranting through 
the hovise like a wind storm. I — I can't beat him now — he's too 
strong. But I — I can beat the little one — the she-brat, and that's 
what will I! [catches side in great agony] Oh ! oh! oh ! 0-H! 
That pain again ! 'Tis a lie that doctor told ! I'm not afraid of 
death. No! no! I'm not going to die ! Give me rum ! Rum! I 
must have more rum! [exit stage right — the bottle emptied] 

ACT II-SCENE II. 

Mrs. Mabb's home, also home of Jester. An old attic scene. 
A rude bed, a table. Dilapidated. An old loud-ticking clock. 
A door in rear, also a window in rear. Little Edna discovered 
half asleep in large — old time arm chair. 

Edna: I wonder what time it is. [looking left at clock] 
There is the clock ! I wish I could tell the time. Let me see. 
Ten minutes — ten minutes of two o'clock. No, the big hand is 
in front. Ten minutes after [yawns] ten minutes [falls back in 
chair and doses] Two — ten minutes after [yawns] ten! My! 
what a horrid dream I have had. Thought I was in a little town 
called [name of town playing] and — [sleepily] — "dead busted !" 
My! My! How horrid! The toAvn was full of Goblins and they 
all ran after me ! They — were — after — me ! (yawns) I don't 
like to wish anyone harm, but hey! hey! hey! I wish they'd 
get grandma ! — And eat her up ! She said me and Edward never 
had no mothers nor fathers neither. Said the devil laid Edward 
and the sun hatched him ! hey ! hey ! hey ! I wonder who I 
belong to. Guess they'll just call me Miss Nobody from Noivhere 
when I grow up to be a big, fine young lady, like them what goes 
to church on Sunday mornin's. [yawns] Ec^ard says me and 
him is "Jo& lotsT Edward says he saw our mother once; but 
Mrs. Mabb, our grand mother, says that Edward tells lies, and 
he aint got good sense no how. I wonder if Mrs Mabb will go to 
Heaven when she dies, [yawns sleepily] I don't 'specc she 
will. [As Edna falls asleep, cuddletl up in big arm chair, a 
knock is heard at the door.] 

•lack Robinson : [kn(H'king and out side] Sure, and if 



thou wilt not let mo in I'll just walk in. (opens doov) No one 
at home! (conies in) Faith, then I'll just wait a bit, for 1 must 
have the bad news broke to Master Edward. It's disappointed 
he'll be when he has the word, poor lad. A better-hearted lad 
never lived. A merry-maker with a smile for all — a kind word 
for ever3'one, and a harsh word for no one. My ! What a nasty 
hay stack! Ah— well enough ; some lives in palaces and some 
lives in gables; some lives in mud huts, and some lives in sta- 
bles. I'll just sit down and wait a bit. (not seeing little Edna 
in the big chair, he sits down on her. She awakes and squeal — 
Both yell.) 

Robinson: (gets stage left, to front) Holy mother! and, 
St. Patrick! Sure, an' what are ye? Man or beast? (comes 
slowly closer) Neither! It's a small woman ! 

Edna : I'm sorry I had to squeal on thee, but its the first 
time I was ever set down on ! Now will you be kind enough to 
tell me how you got into this house, Mr. Robber? 

Robinson : Sure, and ye don't take me for a robber? 

Edna : (nods assent) Well, I thought perhaps thou wert 
one of those unfortunate robbers who makes mistakes and gets 
into wrong houses. 

Robinson: A robber! Ha! ha! ha! A fine joke that, but 
I don't like it* An' you thought I was a robber, Eh ? 

Edna : Well you looh lots like a robber. 

Robinson : Well, I'm not a robber ! 

Edna : You deceived your looks^ didn't you ? Won,t ye 
set down ? Er-er-er-wait — you forgot something didn't ye ? 
Hey ! hey ! hey ! — forgot to introduce yourself! 

Robinson: Who to? 

Edna : Crushed ! I hope / don't feel bad. 

Robinson : Oh ! I beg pardon. Miss — er — ah — er. 

Edna : [rising and courtesying] Miss Edna Mabb. 

Robinson : Oh yes ! I beg pardon — Miss Mabb — hem ! 
Permit me the pleasure of introducing to thee — hem ! the cele- 
brated — 

Edna : What makes you say "hem !" for ? 

Robinson : — The celebrated Jack Robinsou, P. S., of the— 

Edna: —What's the "P. S." for? Hey! hey! I know! 
wait — Pag Soup ! Hey? 

Robinson : Mr. Jack Robinson, of thee — 



Edna : [advancing] Well hello Jack ! I'm devilish glad 
to know you ! Wont you .^/V downf [Pushes him into chair — 
climbs back into her chair] Now Jack, "me boy/' be brief. 

Robinson : [surprise — aside] Well, I'll be hung up. 

Edna : Time is gold in tliis here ranch. 

Robinson : Yes, I should think it would be. [aside] Old 
gold — old time ! [aloud] I say, little one ; how old art thou ? 

Edna: Six or nine. 

Robinson: How is that — six or nine? 

Edna: Well, if you don't believe it, I've got it down on a 
piece of paper, and I'll show it to thee, [goes and finds paste 
board with a big "6" on it. By inverting the board the figure 
looks like a nine.] Here it is! Here it is! I've found it! [Car- 
ries it to Robinson, who seems greatly puzzled, turning board 
first up and then down.] Now Mr. "Smarty," how old am I? 
Six or nine ? 

Robinson : [In despair] I don't know — -I can't tell ! 

Edna: And I don't know, and I don't care, (climbs back 
into chair.) 1 say, Mr. Rnbimon, art thou the man that "owns 
the — circus ?"' 

Robinson : I handle the properties. 

Edna: Oh! Dost thou? Then you II soon (\vn the circus, 
wont you ? Hey ! hey ! — er — do they watch thee ? 

Robinson : I'm no animal ! 

Edna : Oh ! Aint you ? Well Mr. Robinson — Jack — pea 
soup 

Robinson : See here, little one; you're entirely too pert. I 
came here on business. 

Edna: State your business! State your business ! 

Robinson : Jack Robinson^P-r-o-p-s, if you please, "Mad- 
emoiselle a la Pert," and my business is with my young friend, 
Master Edward Mabb, the Jester; is he in ? 

Edna: N-op, he's out ! [short] 

Robinson : Arab ! Why didn't ye say so ? 

Edna : Why didn't yo ask me? 

Robinson : Sure, and I did ask ye! 

Edna: You didn't! 

Robinson : I did ! 

Edna: Didn't! 
. Robinson : I did, I did, 1 did, I did! 



23 

Edna: (at top of her voico) Didn't, didn't, didn't, didn't, 
didn't ! 

Robinson : (rushing for door) Good m.orning ! 

Edna : (as Robinson is in door) I say ! Mr. Robinson — I'll 
beg thy pardon ; but what didst thou come here for, no how ? If 
thou wilt just tell me, I'll tell no one. 

Robinson: (coming in, hat in hand, oloses door) My dear 
child, upon a most important, yet a most painful errand. Our 
manager, greedy for gain, announced this morning that the com- 
pany would be expected to play during the Holy week ! Master 
Edvvard refused to obey the call and I am sent to notify him of 
his immediate discharge. A Jester from the other side came at 
noon to fill his place in the company. I am sorry indeed, for I 
know how ambitious the lad is, and I know how hard it is to be 
out of work in England these hard times. 

Edna : And thou ? Wilt thou play during Holy week ? 

Robinson : Sure, and every other night when I can make a 
shilling! My religion is a fine one— it never interferes with me 
stomach. But its sorry I am for thy brother. He's a fine lad, 
with his heart in the right place. Me purse is small, but me 
right arum is at his service ! Good day to ye marm ! Good day! 
(goes out, closes cloor and then opens and puts in his head again) 
I say little one— [sees Edna weeping] — there! there! don't be 
after soiling thy pretty eyes! Tell Master Edward, when he 
co-mes, that there are seventy-five days in this month, and I've 
got thirty shillings coming to me — he's welcome to the half 
of it. [exit whistling on out side] 

Edna: My good noble brother ! I feel that he has dont^ 
his duty. God will help us ! [climbs up into chair — sighs — ] 
I reckon He will help us ! [dozes] I know he will h§lp us ! 
[dozes. Mrs. Mabb is heard coming, outside, cursing and growl- 
ing] Listen ! There comes Mrs. Mabb, and she is drunk and 
cross ! [Gets out of chair] I'm so afraid of her when she comes 
home like this. But there ! I must not be afraid! I'll, 710 be 
afraid! As Edward says, "I'm a man! hem! hem! and not 
afraid to die ! [loud knocking and rattling at the door — Edna is 
getting a chair to stand up in so she can unbolt door. Mrs. 
Mabb luumbling, knocking and kicking. Edna is talking all 
time she is opening door] Havn't I got a nice grandma! Hoy! 
hev ! h(>v ! She does this about once a week. I think it very 



n 
wrong not to do just what you are told to do, esj)ecial!y when 
you have a dear good grandma like mine! I expect she will beat 
me. But then it don't hurt any longer than it is lasting. I'd 
like to see Edward before, [almost a whimper, standing up in 
chair to open door] before 1 open the door. Oh Edward ! Ed- 
ward ! But there ! hem I hem ! I'll be a man ! "Like a brave 
son of Sparta, I'll die a martyr." [One great effort and ahe un- 
latches the door. The door opens — the chair is upset and little 
Edna has been laid out on floor. Mrs- Mabb heeds nothing, 
walks over and comes down stage. Little Edna dares not move 
at first. She lies there slyly watching the old lady, then grad- 
ually crawles along on her hands and knees and gets under the 
table, where she strikes a very cute and safe attitude, watching 
old lady.] 

Mrs. Mabb: When! I'm so tired! Where — where is that 
she brat ? 

Edna : [under table— aside] "She brat !"— that's me 1 

Mrs. Mabb: [feeling for bottle] Where's that bottle! 
Where — where is it! I must have dropped it. [limping about 
room] Edward ! Edvvard ! I'll send for more. I wonder where 
Edna is ? Edna I say ! 

Edna: [under table — aside] It's my time now. [aloud, 
timidly] Yes grandma dear ! Here I am! 

Mrs. Mabb: [looking under table] Er-law ! Now what art 
thou doing under there! Come out, I say ! 

Edna: Did you say "come out?" Alright — I'm er 
comin'. I'm er comin'. 

Mrs. Mabb: [catching Edna by the arm, gets switch and 
begins to whip her. Edna screams] Didn't I tell thee about 
hiding from me? I'll teach thee how to run from me. There — 
there now ! Go shut that door and straighten up. Quit your 
sniffering and go. I'll teach thee how to play shy with me. 
[Edna is busied straightening room and shutting door. Stays at 
Mrs. Mabb's rear all time. Edna does many odd and funny lit- 
tle tricks while in her fit of pouts, behind Mrs. Mabb's back. 
But she is moved to pity and finally softens toward Edna] I 
say Edna. 

Edna : Yos — grandmother. 

Mrs. Mabb : Coinp here— where is Edvvard ? 

E'Ina : Idop.'t l^now uiandinother ; he hasn't coinohome yet. 



Mrs. Mabb : You "don't know ?'' You never know any- 
thing. You're a regular — "know-nothing." I'll teach Edward a 
new lesson when he comes home. 

Edna : (aside) I wonder if she knows Edward has lost his 
place? (aloud) Grandma! 

Mrs. Mabb : Well ! What is it ? 

Edna : Brother has — has lost his — his position, (crying.) 

Mrs. Mabb: Oh he has! he has ? I told him so! I told 
him so! What has he been doing now? 

Edna : He will tell you all about it when he comes. 

Mrs. Mabb : Stop thy whimpering! I'm sick! I'm tired! 
(sits stage front in big arm chair) I — I must have more rum ! 

Edna: Grandma, wont you let me help thee lemove thy 
bonnet and shawl ? You must be very tired and very — very 
sleepy. 

Mrs. Mabb : (crossly) I'm not sleepy, and I'm not tired. 

Edna : (very kindly) Wilt thou not let me remove thy 
shoes, thy bonnet and thy shawl. 

Mrs. Mabb : Take off my bonnet. Take it off! Quick I 
say — or I'll box thy jaws! 

Edna: (taking off bonnet slowly and carefully, and when 
she goes back to put them away she stops at tlie mirror — tries on 
bonnet to admire herself) Yes, dear grandmother. I'll do all 
you tell mo to do. I'm going to try to be a real good girl from 
now on. I know I have been very, ver}^ bad, but — you'll forgive 
me (patting old woman's face) Wont you grandmother ? 

Mrs. Mabb : I don't know ? (snappingly) 

Edna : I hwio you will grandmother. Thou art always 
good and kind to me — when / am (inod. May I take off thy 
shawl now ? ■ • 

Mrs. Mabb : (not quite so snappishly as before) No! no ! 

Edna: (draws back with fear and stares at her; then draws 
nearer and puts her arms around Mrs. Mabb —very kindly) 
Wont you let me take off thy shawl grandmother? I'm sure 
thou wilt feel better with it off. (Mrs. Mab)) looks at her oddly 
but does not speak) There ! (Edna carefully removing shawl) 
Thou art very kind to let me have my own way. (Mrs. Mabb 
figcts at suggestion) Now grandmother thou wi!t let me remove 
thy rubbers. It will! never do to keep them on in the house. 
(Mrs. Mabb looks at lier oddlv) Thou wouldst catcli cold, and 



that would be very sad to all of us. (Edna is trying to remove 
shoes) 

Mrs. Mabb : (in great pain) Oh ! oh ! oh ! Thou hast 
mashed my corns ! Oh ! oh ! 

Edna : . (kindly — hands on hips) I'm very sorry — very 
sorry ! I did not mean to do it. I shall be more careful. (Af- 
ter removing shoes, and making Mrs. Mabb generally comforta- 
ble — sits on right arm of chair, affectionate as she proceeds to 
talk) Do you know grandmother, I had such a funny dream ? 

Mrs. Mabb : Well, don't be a telling it to me! 

Edna : But it is not a very bad dream grandmother, an<l 
I'm sure you'll be glad to hear of it, if you'll listen to me. I 
dreamed such an odd dream. I thought — I thought we were all 
going away. Somewhere — I don't know just where. Such a 
great big boat, and there were so many people in the boat. And 
the boat had wings — great white wings, (she stops as trying to 
think) 

Mrs. Mabb: (shows by expression she is anxious) Well! 
well ! Go on ! 

Edna : (looking away off) And I dreamed you and Edward 
and me, and a great big rich man, and a pretty young lady were 
all waiting to get on the boat. 

Mrs. Mabb : (clutching her side in agony) Oh! oh! oh! 
Ah me ! Oh ! oh ! oh ! ^ 

Edna : Why — what's the matter grandma'? Can I do any 
thing for thee ? . (on knees at old lady's side) 

Mrs. Mabb : No! no ! Go on with the story, my child! 

Edna : The rest of the story — is not very nice ! Let's don't 
talk about it any more grandma. 

Mrs. Mabb: Go on I say! I will have my way ! 

Edna : And the boat looked like a great bird, and the peo- 
ple on the boat looked like angels — all dressed in white. And 
when the boat stopped, we all went aboard, but thee and the rich 
man. The captain said thou couldst not go, because thou didst 
not have the coin to pay thy fare. 

Mrs. Mabb : (desperate, trying to rise) It's a lie ! a lie ! 
We have got enough money to buy his boat ! 

Edna: (laughing gently) Why grandma it was only a 
dream ! Beside, that's just what you told the man in the dream, 
but he said, "Not gold ! not gold, but a pure soul is what we 



■27 

ask !" (after considerable pause — hesitation on Edna's part) 
Grandma, I wish thou wert like a good old woman our story 
book tells about — go to church every Sunday, and sing and pray. 
Then, when thou diest, go to Heaven where mamma and 
Papa is. 

Mrs. Mabb : (rising slowly — Edna is fixing bed) How the 
child talks! "Go to Heaven, where mamma and papa is." 
"Like the good old woman in the picture book." Ha! ha! ha! 
ha! [grasping side] Oh! oh! oh! oh! 

Edna: [rushing to her side] What is the matter grandma! 
What ails thee ? Must I go for a doctor? 

Mrs. Mabb : No — no! Go! — prepare the bed. [Edna goes 
back to prepare the bed — aside] "Go for a doctor" — hump ! No 
doctor can help me now. A sin-cursed soul sleeps for a moment 
in death — and awakes in everlasting torment, [turns, calls 
Edna] Edna! Edna I say — come! 

Edna : Yes, grandma ! 

Mrs. Mabb : Bring me water, [aside] I feel somehow, 

like it will all end here to-night. No! no! no! I'm not going 
to die ! I'm strong yet. [tries to walk but has to clutch back of 
chair for support] 

Edna : [bringing glass of water] Here's your water grand- 
ma : 

Mrs. Mabb: [looking at her with wild glare] Water? I 
— did not ask for water ! I will take it though. (Takes the 
glass in her hand — barely tasts it — makes wry face) 

Edna : [aside] How kind the poor old soul is to-night. I 
realy believe I love her ! 

(Here Mrs. Mabb hands back the glass to Edna — untouched.) 

Edna: Drink the water grandma; it will make thee feel so 
much weil-er. 

Mrs. Mabb : It's too weak! Take it! Turn down my 
bed ! 

Edna : (tasting water at Mrs. Mabb's back) 'Tis rather 
weak, [said aside] 

Mrs. Mabb : [aside] I'll try to sleep ! To-morrow — to- 
morrow I shall — feel better. I'm going to lead a better life, to- 
morrow. I'll pray perhaps ! Mayhaps too, I'll go to mass and 
see the priest, [pain in her side again] Oh ! oh ! Come ! my 
child! Quick! Ah 



■28 

Edna : [at her side] Is there anything j'oii want grand- 
ma ? Is there anything I can do for thee ? 

Mrs. Mahb: No my child! You can do nothing for me! 
I am past all aid! Ah — what is that? That! that! Take 'em 
away ! 

Edna: What grandma ? I see nothing! There is no one 
here but me. 

Mrs. Mabb : Don't you see 'em ? Look ! look ! I can see 
'em ! Everywhere ! Look at their ugly, hideous faces ! Take 
'em off! Take 'em off! There now — go away! Go child — 
bring me rum ! Away ! Why dost stand there like stone ! [to 
imaginary animals or persons] Thou wilt get me rum — a good 
boy eh? Run now — bring me rum. Run away! [screams] 
Take 'em away ! Take 'em away ! [falls on bed] 

Edna : [leaning on bed .side] Poor soul ! Is there nothing 
I can do for thee? Grandma! Speak to me! Speak to me! 
Don't look like that., you frighten me! 

Mrs. Mabb : [rises on elbow, face audience] Hast thou 
brought me rum ? A good girl ! Pretty little girl! Ha! ha! ha! 
Where is the rum ? Ah 

Edna : [putting cover over her, making her eas}''] Dear 
old grand ! She has such a hard time when she drinks like this. 
The snakes get aftei her. It was very cruel of thee to beat me 
so, (kisses sleeping figure) but I'll forgive thee, [sighing] We 
do have such a hard time some times. But wdien you get well 
again, we will try to be so much better. We will never quarrel 
again ; I am going to be a good girl and not worry th(!e. No 
more quarrels and blows, and no more cross words. And every 
Sunday when the great bells ring, we wil! go to church and kneel 
in prayer, and try to be very good. Do you remember, grand- 
mother, what the good lady read us out of her book? Let me 
see — something about, "forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive — " 
I can't — I cant remember the rest of it. [aside] I wonder if 
she is very — very ill ? Perhaps I'd better ask God to make her 
well. I'll just kneel down here and say the prayer Edward 
taught me. [kneels at tjpdside] 

Edward — "The Jester" : [Heard out side, singing ; errily — 
burst in door with high spirits] What, Ho, my jovial mates! 
[upon observing tlie atm()S})hcre of niatt(M-s, he changes, into a 
most solemn and ti'atiic mood : — 



2n 
How solemn seems the hour — 
No restless spirit, save I alone, 
Hath dared to venture forth. 
Yonder moon in palid glimmer. 
Doth 'pear to siak away, 
To welcome back the 'proach of day. 

Now 'pon me soul this room doth wear the 'pearance of a 

grave yard. Hush ! Hu-sh ! Listen to the clock ! Tick ! tock ! 

tick! Ha! ha! ha! ha! Well, if the little one aint fast 

.asleep. Ah! ha! So I've- caught thee knapping, my pretty 

maid. Ha! ha! Still asleep — I do declare! Sh — sh — sh ! 

Edna : Oh Edwai'd ! Thou naughty boy ; I was saying my 
prayersl And grandma is very ill too \^ 

Jester: Oh, thou wert! Wert thou ? Well I must humbly 
ask thy pardon. Same old story — Limberga cheese and rum ! 
"Poor old Catashaw." Come little one ! Tell me what thou hast 
been doing all day. Was. grandmother cross to thee — did she 
switch thee? ^ 

Edna: Did she? W — e — 1 — 1 — I guess ! Just look at 
that ! [removes stocking to show stripej 

Jester: No! I wont kill her to-night! What did she do 
it for ? 

Edna : Do what for ? 

Jester : Whip thee! 

Edna:. Oh pshaw! I don't know— it don't hurt now, so 
what's the difference. I say Edward ! If I ask thee to do some- 
thing for me, wilt do it ? 

Jester : What ist ? 

Edna : Wilt do it ? 

Jester: Ah! I know, don't I? Alright— I'll tell thee just 
one^-now — now that's all — -just one. 

Edna : Just one? Tell me two I 

Jester : Well, oncst there was two little barkies! 

Edna: "Barkies" — what's barkies? 

Jester: Barkies? Why didst thou never hear of the bar- 
kies ? The barkies^what goes [imitates a big dog] away out in- 
to the woods, and bites folks too, sometimes. 

Edna : Oh ! don't tell that one — tell — tell er nother one. 

Jester : Alright ! But that's a mighty fine tale, about 
the bow-wows and the barkies. 



30 

Edna : Ah, I don't want to hear it — it scares me. 

Jester : AMght then — I'll have to tell another one. 
[amuses her with stories and nursery rhymes for about 5 or 10 
minutes. She gets her story book, and they have a merry time 
over it, etc. At conclusion Edward remembers he has not had 
supper] Ah, I can tell no more tales — [rising] I'm tired ! Come 
lets have the supper thou hast saved for me. 

Edna : [standing in front of him, hands on hips] There 
aint no supper ! 

Jester : Thou shouldst say, "there is no supper." 

Edna : Well, "There is no supper.,' Is your honor's appe- 
tite the less for the grammar ? Wilt thou take water wit^ it ? 

Jester : Hast thou had no supper ? 

Edna : No ! — I never eat. 

Jester : Well / do — sometimes. Here are three pennies. 
One-two-three-four! There! One loaf for thee, one forme, and 
one for "the sleeping beauty," and one for a bit of ale. Run 
now! Hurry! For I'm as hungry as a wolf. [Edna rushes about, 
gets pitcher] 

Edna : [runs to door and stops] Hast thou not forgotten 
something Edward ? 

Jester: [puzzled] Oh! So I have — thou little brat! 
[catches and kisses her] Now hurry ! [exit Edna] Half past 
two, and I'm hungry, tired and sick, and what's more, I am out 
of work. My position — gone. Ah well! Perchance 'tis all for 
the best — who caii tell ? At any rate, what's the use to mope 
and worry? One never suffers for what they know to bo right, 
[a groan from the bed] Hello! What's that? Ah! same old 
game ! Same old game ! Poor old fool. If I were rich, I'd buy 
thee a barrel of rum and watch thee drink thyself to death. 
Rum and Limberga cheese; enough to kill a pole-cat. Let me 
feel thy pulse, "fair one," they [going toward bedside] should 
beat 70 times per minute, but thou art so stupid and lazy, I sup- 
pose 35 will answer for thee, [takes hand and drops it with 
great liorror] Cold ! Great Heavens ! [feels her face and hands] 
Dead ! [Walks the stage front and back to bed side] As dead as 

Hector! [after considerable pause] Well that do settle it. 

[position, side way on table or cbair] I would I could feel sorry. 
Would that I could shed one tear for thee, poor old Mrs. Mabb. 
(coiisiderab!e pause along here) "My grandmother," Ha ! ha ! 



ha ! ha ! — that — that wont dol Thou art a good player, but thou 
hast missed the allusion, on this great and mighty stage, in the 

dramma of life. Lost the "cue" — as it were. My ! what a 

life thou hast led. [shudders] It must be a terrible tiling to 
leap so suddenly into God's presence to await His judgment. 
As the angels above sigh for thee, so doth all hell yearn for thee ! 
[crosses over, looks at her thoughtfully, then picks up her hand) 
That withered, cunning hand has brought many an unjust blow 
down upon my back. Many a time baa it struck my poor' angel 
little sister when I was out into the streets earning bread for us 
and rum for thee. Those lips that are now hushed forever, have 
never spoken one kind ivord to me. I am not thy judge. For my 
part I forgive thee every unkind word and every blow, and wish 
— vainly wish that peace and comfort may come to thy poor de- 
luded soul in the next world, (coming forward) Death! The 
last act in life's great play ! Whether it be a farce, or a comedy, 
or whether it be a drama or tragedy — it has its end, and the end 
is. Death, (and now pointing to the bed) A Parody ! Behold 
the last act — the climax —death. The curtain in her play has 
fallen, (pause and thought) 'Twas a good production — of its 
kind. Where the actor goes after the play is ended does not con- 
cern thee nor I. (pause and thought) Thank Heavens, that we 
cannot see beyond the curtain ! [Edna it heard singing outside] 
My poor innocent little sister ! I sometimes wish she were dead 
and in Heaven where mother is. I feel that the role of father, 
brother, mother and companion is too great fox me. How can I 
tell her what has happened ! 

Edna ; (outside) Open the door for me Edward ! (she en- 
ters when he opens the door, her arms and hands full — goes to 
table to put things down) Your majesty has grown impatient, 
eh?" I ran all the way, (very busy) Well, we will have a din- 
ner fit for a king in less than three minutes .' 

Jester : [at other side of table, standing thoughtfully as Ed- 
na prepares for the meal] Thou hast brought too much. 

Edna: How so? One loaf for thee, one loaf for me, and 
one loaf for grandma — 

Jester : "Grandma" will not dine with us to-day. She will 
feast with friends below — her friends. 

Edna : [not understanding, but alarmed at Edward's man- 
ner] Hey! hey! hey! My! What a "jag" she'll have on her 



[staggers to bedside, mimicing drunkard — at bedside] Grandma ! 
Oh Edward ! Edward ! What is the matter with lier ! Grand- 
ma ! Speak to me! Oh Edward, run quick for a doctor! Why- 
dost thou not go Edward ? Grandma ! Don't look Hke that ! 

Speak to thy little girl. It is me Edna; dost thou not know 

me ? 

Jester : [goes and leads her to stage front — a picture, tab- 
leau — fall of curtain] Come away Edna. 

[Curtain— Close 2d Act.] 



ACT 3d— SCENE 1st. 

ON THE LAWN — PICNIC SCENE. 

Jester is heard in the distance. Enters stage back left 
with little Edna on his back. 

Jester : [is first to speak] The very spot for an hours rest, 
and yonder too, is a beautiful spring that laughingly invites us. 
W^ill her majest}^ alight? 

Edna : Come up ! ■ 
• Jester : Now thou wouldst not ride a free horse to death ? 

Edna : Oh ! Thou art not tired. 

Jester : Oh ! Am I not ? No ! But I am afraid thou wilt 
get sea-sick riding so much. Jump down and run fetch us a 
draught from yonder brook. Here is the cup ! (takes from gir- 
dle) Now run ! Mind — do not fall into the spring! 

Edna : Thou talkest to me as though I were a baby ! 
(exit right) 

Jester: (laughs gentl}' and looking the way she went) 
Getting to be a great big girl, ^/wrtt art! Poor child! Whatever 
am I to do with her ? All my bad luck seems to come at once ; 
the loss of my position at the play house, a funeral, and Heaven 
only knows what next. Ah well! I must not take matters too 
seriously — all will turn out for the best, as sure as there is a Di- 
vinity that shapes the end of man. If I can only make her hap- 
py, keep her well clothed and fed / shall be content. And that 
mle! My ! I can't let tTiat gentle, loving creature go for so small 
a sum as fifty , thousand pounds! Why shcs worth a hundred 
thousand pounds of any body's money. She's fine stock ! Only 
())}(' defect she loves me f I knoiv it. She fold me so! Ah me ! 



— wore ever so many responsibilities placed on one poor fool's 
back before? I hope not. Oh! It doesn't matter so much 
about mo, but the women folks — Heaven bless them. I cant 
bear to see them suffer. Hard times are yet to come, making a 
living in the streets is no easy task. There is one great advan- 
tage that an actor and a montebank has over ordinary people — 
Pie is like a camel, can go for days without eating. He never 
eats unless it is convenient, [at the close of this speech he lay 
inclined, back to right of stage as Edna returns, slowdy with 
brimming cup of water] 

Edna : Here is the w\ater ! [[)asses cup to him over his 
shoulder and kneels at his back] 

Jester : Thank thee my pretty maid ! [drinks] Come 
now and lets reiiearse our wits ! Thou njayest begin. Art thou 
ready ? Then take the position, (addressing an imaginary au- 
dience) "Ladies and gentlemen ! Thou shalt now have the 
pleasure of hearing the youngest actress on the globe. Miss Edna 

Mabb, in her superb selection, titled " [the Jester gives 

name of her selection, and when she finishes, applauds her with] 
Good ! good ! Come now and lets practise the dance ! 

Edna: Oh yes, the dance! the dance! T love the dance! 
(music) 

Jester : Position ! Ready ! Ono^-two-three ! Back — left — 
right ! Forward — One-tAvo-three ! 

Edna : Oh ! Thou didst forget the turn ! Didst thou not? 

Jaster : Ah! Bless thee! So I did! Lets begin again. 
Now ! Ready ? One-two-three ! Turn ! [they dance. When 
they finish dancing Edward sits on mound or stump. Edna 
stands in attitude of rest, facing him] 

Edna: Now how much dost think we will get for a turn 
like that, eh? 

Jester : No more can I tell ! 

Edna: A half crown, maybe? 

Jester : Maybe so we will! Maybe so we wont! 

Edna : vSix pence four Eh ? 

Jester: [looking off left] Ah! See whom we have com- 
ing! 

Edna: (getting to his back and looking over his shoulder) 
A rich man, maybe ! Hey! [she prances about] 

Jester : (rising) Be still— 'tis the priest! [the priest comes 



;^4 
on left, back of stage. Edward removes his liat. Edna gets 
back of him] 

Father Garbo : Ah! My chihh'en — a merry time to thee! 
To-raorrow is a holliday ; better save thy bright smiles until sun- 
rise. 

Jester : We have a goodly store father. Smiling is our trade. 

Father Garbo : Smiling? How so ? Ah I see ! Thou art 
the lad whom men call "The Jester." 

Jester : Thou speakest well, Father. 

Father Garbo : And the little one — the sweet face? 

Jester : Is my sister, Edna. 

Father Garbo : Ah I see ! I have heard much of thy mis- 
fortunes. My will is to do thee a good turn if thou wilt let me, 
my children. Now I will take the little one home with me to 
make the burden lighter for thee, lad ; and if ever thou comest to 
want, my board and shelter are thine. [Edna clings to Jester at 
this suggestion. Looks up at Jester pleadingly] 

Jester: Thou art doubly kind my father — but I cannot 
part with her. We have neither mother nor father — we are all 
the world to each other, [thought and pause] But if thou wilt 
slielter her until I can find a home fit for her, I shall be most 
grateful. She is not used to hardships and I fear for her wel- 
fare, [to Edna] Come little one ! Wilt thou go with the good 
father until a few days have passed ? I will come for thee ! 

Edna : [throwing arms about Edward] Must I go Ed- 
waid ? Is it best ? Is — is it thy wish f 

Jester : Only for a few days, and then I shall come for thee! 
Go now with the good Father. He will shield thee from all 
harm and give thee food. 

Edna : And thmi, brother — what of thee ? 

Jester : Do not faar for me dear. I shall join thee in a 
short time. Come now ! Give me thy sweetest kiss and a big 
hug and then we part. 

Father Garbo: (is affected) Come my little daughter! 
We will go first and get thee a new frock, (holding Edna by 
hand, advances to Jester) Fare thee well, lad! 

Jester: (kneeling) Thy blessings father ! 

Father Garbo : May tbe blessings of the Holy Church be 
upon thee; and the mother of Holies keep thee from sin and 
evil. Amen ! 



Jester : (lood bye I Good by(> ! My angel Farewell, 

Father ! 

Father Gar bo : Farewell ! 

Edna : [throwing kisses back as 2 exit left] Good bye Ed- 
ward! Goodbye! [Edward stands and watches them off, then 
returns and throws himself down on the ground. He speaks, af- 
ter much pause and thought] 

Jester: How still all is! Ah — what a drear, dark, close to 
my poor day ! How could that red sun drop into that black 
cloud! All may yet for the best be proved. Does not the black- 
est cloud brighted at the sun's approach ? Even so. Oh ! I am 
ill — out of harmony with nature ! 'Tis but the condition of the 
liver makes one sad. A little rest and a little sleep — all will then 
be well. God bless me, and help me smile to-night in spite of 
this sad heart. All services rank the same with Thee^ Oh God ! 
With Thee whose children all are we, best and worst, there is no 
last nor first, (sleeps — picnic crowd in distance singing. They 
enter right at back of stage. Young men in boating and tennis 
attire. Girls with fiowers and baskets. Nina, Fay's maid is 
with the party. Fay is not with party. As they enter and cease 
to sing a young man speaks) 

First Male : This is the place for us ! Come let's lunch and 
then a song ! 

Omnes : No ! Lets go further on. 

Second Male : (discovering Jester asleep) Ho ! Ho ! My 
pretty fellow ! (to comrads) I say ! Come look what I have 
found! 

Omnes: (and gather around) What? Let's see ! 

First and Third Females : How handsome he is ! 

Second Female : Who is he? Does any one know? 

First Male: Why !— 'Tis Edward, The Jester. Poor soul! 
Hush — be still lads. Perhaps we had best not wake him. They 
say it is a deal of bad luck he has had of late. The poor fellow 
must be worn and sad. (as Nina hears names of "Edward and 
Jester" she starts and says aside— "The Jester"— Fay's lover and 
the only man on earth that I care for. "Poor fellow," she says 
sympatheticly, as she goes over to him. Her emotion overcomes 
her and she goes down to his side oh her knee and tenderly 
smoothes his forehead and hair, speaking inaudibly. The 
crowd at one side (fc not. at first. se(> or notice her action. Tliey 



discuss with inischi(^f in all evi^-^ hat F'i)-st Ma\'\ \viu> soonis to he 
Edward's friend an<J s^yinpathizer. 

First male: We .had hest leave him lads, and e;() on to 
another spot. 

Omncs: No ! no! We must make him dance and sing! 

Second Female: Look! look all! Nina has fallen in love 
with hiTt! ! 

Omnes : Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! 

Nina: (Nina stands up frightened) I pray thee, leavehinithus. 

Second Female : No! no! He must make sport for us! 
Who will wake him ? 

Nina: No one! This is my friend! Leave him! 

Omnes: "Thy friend!" Ha! ha! ha! ha! (their loud 
laughter wakes the Jester who does not notice any one particu- 
larly. He springs to liis feet, brushing his eyes, trying to arouse 
himself, and to appear cheerful) 

Jester : Ah lads ! A jolly surprise this ! (lads all shake 
hands with Edward and greet him heartily. Edward bows to 
the ladies) 

Omnes: Give us a dance! Yes, give us a dance! 

Jester: Thou wilt please to excuse me — I — I — thou wilt 
please to excuse me ? 

Omnes: No! no! We wont: A dance! A dance! 

First Female : (coquetishly) Now wilt thou not please to 
dance for me ? 

Second Female: Yes! Plca.'<r do I Mr. Jester, (the Jester 
takes a hand of each of the two girls and courteously presses 
them to his lips) 

Jester: How could I refuse? (the crowd cheer, and clear a 
space; music strikes up and ''The Jester" dances, and when he 
has finished, comes the iipplause ; he gracefully bows. First male 
passes hat) 

First Male : (initting in coin) Come lads, lets every man 
into the hat. (all iieartily obey) 

First Female: We too will help! 

Omnes: Yes! We will all help! 

Jester: Thank th^e, kind friends — hut do not this for me — 
I— 1- 

First Male: Friend —avery mm in- his calling. You 
dance — we pay. 



Omne.^*: IIo nuist take it! We will make him take it ! 

Jester : (as first male presents him with contents of hat) 
My poor words are too inferior to utter the sentinients of my 
heart. 

First Female : (a little bold) We have heard that thou 
hadst been unfortunate — with all our hearts we wish thee well. 

Jester : (bowing low) Speak gently of the dead. But 

come friends ! To the sound of sweet music, tread a measure 
with me ! 

Omnes : Agreed : What shall it })e ? 

Jester : (after moment of thought) The "Dance on the 
T.awn !" We all know it ! 'Tis merry Ireland's pride ! (a cheer 
of agreement) 

First Male : Lads ! Choose thy partners ! (three or four of 
the girls show signs of desire to dance with the Jester. All seem 
eager for him to choose. His eyes fall on Nina — who has been 
watching him intentjvely for past few moments. He discovers 
her, and goes quickly to her) 

Jester: Nina! I had not seen thee! Where is thy mis- 
tress. (Nina is delighted until he mentions her mistress. Now 
she is disgusted) 

Nina : No ! Thou didst not care to see me. 'Tis my mis- 
tress always ! 

Jester: Come! Wilt thou be my partner in the dance? 
(he takes her hand and leads her to join the circle) 

"the dance on the lawn." 

(To the tune of either, "Mignion York," "Dance in the 
Grove" or "Pretty as Can Be.") 

At close of dance the crowd cheer and laugh, get baskets, 
etc., and go stage right, two and two, to the brook where they are 
to dine. Edward and Nina fall behind) 

Jester: Wilt thou stay a moment? I would speak with 
thee. 

Nina : Wilt thou not partake of the lunch ? Thou art wel- 
come. 

Jester: No! My place is not with them, (leads her to 
grassy seat) Come sit here and tell me of thy mistress. What 
of Fay ? Where is she — is she well ? 

Nina ; Dost thou then truly love her? 



Jester:" Love !ioi-?"— with all my sonl. It is the oifly love 
I ever know. It overwhelm-; ine with a fearful liappiiiess. 

Nina : Thou art true to her? 

Jester: "True?" As true as steel ! 

Nina: Thou wilt never love another? 

Jester: Never! It is impossiltle ! 

Nina: (aside) He has it l>a(l! (aloud) Wilt never woo 
another? 

Jester : Never ! I swear it. 

Nina : Wilt never kiss another maiden ? — Ever so fair? 

Jester : Never ! never ! (rises and crosses stage, keeping 
step with his words) Never! Though she be as bewitching as 
the Egyptian Queen and as tempting as Eve. 

Nina: Oh! ho! (aside) Let's see. (aloud) My mistress 
has a lover well to be proud of. Come! Be seated. I have news 
for thee. I came with yonder merry crowd, sent by my beauti- 
ful mistress to see thee and speak with thee. (JSJina inches up 
closer and closer to Edward, and as she speaks puts her hand 
tenderly upon his arm) 

Jester: (catching both her hands in his) Say on, Nina! 
What of her? 

Nina: (earnestly and drawing closer yet) I pray thee he 
patient. Well, Sir Walter Hammond came to see her last even- 
ing- 
Jester: The old beast! Did she see him? 

Nina: No — she refused, but Sir John forced her. 

Jester : The demon ! It was against her will she saw 



Nina: Nay ! She saw him not at all. 

Jester : Hf)w ? 

Nina : My mistress is not to be ruled against her will. 
She pretended a swoon, and thus Sir Walter was cheated ! 

Jester: Ha! ha! ha! ha!— Ha! ha! ha! A woman up to 
date ! 

Nina: Ha! ha! Yes, she is indeed, a woman up to date. 
A woman of more than ordinary merit. The only woman I ever 
truly envied. 

Jester: Thou shouldst not envy thy mistress, but thy mis- 
tress, fair one, should be proud other maid. In beauty thou art 
not lacking. Thou hast a figure to catch any sensible man's eye. 



39 

All Choap 8i(lo vain would take a peep into thy pretty eyes, and 
I 1 



Nina: (sadly and working on Jester's feelings) 'Tis not of 
beauty, of form, or nature's gifts I envy her. Oh no! Not that. 
But she has a lover who worshii)s her, loves her with all his soul. 
A lover so true to her that not the seducing Egyptian Queen or 
the tempting Eve, could dissujide from her. So true is he, and I 
envy her 

Jester : Fair maid I 



Nina: No! no! Thou canst not uuderstand me. Alone — 
unloved, no father nor mother, no brother — none— none to love, 
(the Jester is overcoming with emotion — tunis away) Oh sir! 

If thou couldst only know how sad and lonely my life is 

(pretends to weep) 

Jester: (aside) The Devil! (aloud, as he comes close to 
Nina's side, puts one arm around her and takes her hands) 
There ! there ! Do not weep ! [on left knee, keeping his arm 
closely about her. Both her hands in his, her head isturned away 
or else down, to hide her face] Don't be sad.' Count the world 
as thou wilt, I shall be thy friend, thy brother, thy— thy mother 
and thy— thy— Don't w^eep Nina! Sweet one ! [looks about 
uneasily— rises, goes hack of stage, looks left and right. Satisfied 
that no one is in sight] 

Nina: [aside while he is back] Now I shall put him to 
tlie test and see how true my mistress' lover is. I'll wager he 
will try to kiss me. I'll lead him on, aye, but stop him where 
modesty raises her eye brows. [She resumes her pretence of sad- 
ness as he returns quickly] 

Jester : [kneeling same posture, but more ardent] Do not 
weep! Thy bright eyes were not made for tears, but laughter. 
Come! Give me thy sweetest smile. I too, am motherless, 
friendless and homeless— an outcast, [considerable pause] 
Nina, wilt thou not give me one smile, that smile alone would 
make a prince of the meanest pauper. Even the touch of thy 
gentle hand fans the flame of manhood that burns in ray breast. 
Nina: [aside, somewhat alarmed] Ye Gods! What are 
men ? 

Jester : Wouldst thou then disdain to smile once for me? 
Nina: If my poor smiles [putting her face very near his] 
could add to thy happiness f would smile forever. 



Jester: Thou '.vouhlst Nina? Ami T am most ha})i'y n<)\\\ 
Now, for tlio first time, Heaven seems to smile on me. Tlio 
breath that brings thy sweet words is like t'le air of Heaven ami 
thy lips like the royal e »lors of a queen. Thy bright eyes are 
the stars and thy snjile is the sun, aud the rays of that sun 
drown me in a glorious light, (his lips are near to hers) One 
kiss, my sweet Nina from those lips 

Nina : (puts up hand and draws baek) Nay ! Nay ! Sir, 
'tis not fit thou 

Jester: (determined, drawing <'loses) 'Tis but thy maiden- 
ish modesty, men love such ; one kiss, my sweet Nina and then — 

Nina: (alarmed) Sir! How dare 

Jester: (catching her in his arms) I dare do all that be- 
comes a man. (kisses her once) 

Nina: (indignantly) Edward turn me "free ! 

Jester : [holding her, cooly] If there is freedt>*n in En- 
gland, thou hast it now. [kisses her despite her turning her 
head away] Thou art as free as a lark, [kisses lier] And I am 

as happy as a lark, [kisses her] We are on a lark, [kisses 

her] 

Nina: [blushing — aside] My! What a predi(!ament I 
am in ! Caught in my own trap: [aloud] Oh sir! Suppose 
some one should come! And see us thus! 

Jester: Then T should be the most envied man in En- 
gland ! 

Nina: I pray thee — let me go — why shouldst thou hold me 
thus? Thou dost not love me — I am alone and friendless. 
Wonldst thou take advantage of a poor weak girl ? T i)ray thee, 
think! 

Jester: Away with thinking! One cannot love and and 
think at the same time, [kisses her] — as it were. 

Nina : Art thou sure that thou dost love me — love me 
truly ? 

Jester: By yonder moon, [starts to point, but forgets 'tis 
day time and there be no moon]— where ever it may be, I swear 
it!*^ 

Nina: [putting her arms about his neck, taking his face in 
her hands most affectionately] Swear not, I pray thee. But if 
thou dost truly love me, come! Stand upon this bench, [leads 
to bench] Now if thou dost love me, swear upon thy honor, 



11 
thou wilt not get down from thy standing place until I have 
told thee a fable. 

Jester: [surpris<'d, 1)ut s^ays] I swear — upon my honor! 
And upon the bench ! 

Nina : [seats herself upon a rock or mound, playfully and 
mischievously toys with sun hat, held by streamers] 'Tis an old 
story — too truly sad. A warning to all maidens who trust their 
lovers. Moial — In God we trust — lovers we must watch. Two 
lovers there were, seemingly true. He swore by the stars and the 
moon, by sun and shadow his heart was true ! Not even the 
Egyptian Queen, with all her seductive arts, not even tempting 
Eve in her beautiful garden could persuade him to prove untrue 
to his love. Thus he swore, and 

First Female : [voice in distance] Ni noo! Ni — noo ! 

[Nina goes back of stage, waves kerchief or hat] Ni — noo! Ni — 
noo ! 

Nina: [to voice stage left] I ani coming! [to Edward] 
So — a few days past. And this modest, sworn lover — forgot 
his oath. It took no Egyptian Queen or sirene of histrionic 
beauty and passion to sway him. But he chanced to meet — 
Nay ! Nay ! Sir — do not get off thy stand — remember thy oath 
to stand. This youth of undying love and sworn fidelity was de- 
throned by the poor silly maid of his mistress ! 

Jester: Nina! Nina I must — I shall get down ! 

Nina : Nay ! Remember thy oath to me ! 

Jester : [aside] The devil ! 

Nina: Ha! ha! ha! ha! Now tell me, modest young 
gentleman, Avhat thinkest thou the deserts of such a fickle youth? 
Dost think he was 

Jester: —Yes, I think he was a blamed fool! 

Nina : Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha. 

Jester: And so was the maid that tempted him. 

Nina : Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha. 

Jester. I want to get down. I'm going to get down. 

Nina: ' Remember thy oath and thy lionor sir! 

Jester: Oh [sinks down on bench with a groan] 

Nina: [aside and drawing near to him] Poor fellow! I 
am too harsh with him. I'll make amends, [to Edward] Tis a 
hard lesson thou hast learned. A lesson thou shouldst never 
forget. 



4-i 

Jester; (aside) Now that I am free, by Jove, I'll 
teaeh thee a little dance, (to Nina) Come ! Little rogue — sit 

here. Ey my soul ha! ha! ha! ha! thou knowest human 

nature like a hook. (Nina sits on end of bench, Edward grows 
sad and serious) But there are some natures then canst ncjt un- 
fathom. For instance, thou believeth me in love with thy mis- 
tress. Tut! tut! How little thou knowest of love and its ways. 
Then again thon deemest me of a happy spirit. Ah Nina — if 
thou couldst but see the dark teniptest in my heart. 'Tis my 
trade — smiling. I must smile even when my heart is breaking, 
or else go a begging for my bread. Earth has been like a hell to 
me. When the day came I longeil for night, and when 'twas 
night J wished the day. Restless, friendless— life has been a bur- 
den to me. (Nina's head is bowed — he has his back to her. She 
draws closer to him and puts a hand on hi.sshoulder — low music) 
But it was not ordained 'ever to be thus. Even the lay sandy 
desert has its oasis. So in1;o my life came another life. Her mis- 
tress ap])roved me, and bade me go win her love. Nina, dost 
thou not know why she has sent thee hither to-day? Ah Nina 
(putting arm about Nina) she knows how I love thee. Dost thou 
see the trick ? 'Tvvas very simple. 

Nina: Can it be true? 

Jester: It is true. I love thee Nina, (draws her (Jose) 

Nina: Oh Edward ! Tis so much like a dream. Art sure 
there is no mistake? Thou lovest me? 

Jester: With all my heart! 

Nina : And I — Edward I have loved thee long. (Edward 
puts her head on his bosom) I am happier now than I ever was. 
Some one to love. Some one cares'-'for me. 

Jester! Yes! Oh yes. (change of mood) 

Ninr : S(^ happy I shall be now ! Forgive nic, Edward, the 
way I teased thee. 

Jester: Whyeertes! 

First Female: (without) Ni-noo ! Ni-noo ! 

Nina: (breaking loose from Edward) Some one is com- 
ing. 

First Female: (enter right, back stage) Why, here thou 
art! Come! Lunch is spread and lam sent in search of thee 
and Master Edward. 

Nina : (to First Female) Very well dear. I am sorry to 



4:i 
have kei)t tlico waiting. Go — say we come. 

Jester: [interrupting] Thou wilt make excuse for me — I 
cannot be with thee to-day. I must away to the city. 

First Female: Oft" to see some pretty maid, thou rogue! 
Oh, I know thee ! FU wager thou hast a dozen sweethearts ! 

Nina: [quickly] Oh no, he has not! 

First Female: Ah ! [slyly — goes oft" right a little 

and waits unseen] 

Nina : Wilt thou not come with me Edward ? 

Jester : I cannot to-day. I have duties. 

Nina : I shall soon see thee again ? 

Jester : Certes! On the lawn, thou mayest hear from me — 

First Female : [without] Ni-noo ! Ni-noo ! 

Nina: [answers call] Yes — dear! I come presently! [to 
Edward] Adieu love. [Edward takes her in his arms] 

First Female : [without] Ni-noo! Ni-noo! 

Nina: [ans.] I come anon sweet friend! [to Edward] 
Thou wilt not forget me Edward ? 

First Female : [without] Ni-noo! 

Jester : Forget thee ? never ! 

First Female: Ni-noo! Ni-noo! 

Nina: I corae ! Again Adieu! [Edward kisses her] Be- 
fore the change of moons, we shall meet again ? 

Jester : Even so, and sooner. 

First Female: (without) Ni-noo! Ni-noo! 

Nina: (answers) I come ! (to Edward) Be true to me! 

I love thee with all a woman's heart! (puts up her face for 

Edward to kiss, then runs right-back stage, exit) 

Jester: [dropping down on bench, very thoughtfully — face 
to audience] Well, I — vvonder ! 

Nina : (returning hastily) Edward dear, I did forget a 
most important matter. This purse my mistress bade me give 
to thee and say, "be patient." 

Jester: No! no! no! I can not! 

Nina: Thou art a proud lad! But keep the purse— 'tis 
her will — and mine. 

Jester: I muM not! I will not! 

Nina: Nay, but 'tis my wish; thou must obey! Adieu! 
(exit right) 

Jester : Mephisto ! Faustus ! The devil ! (opens purse 



44 

slowly .and thoughtfully — kisses purt^e before opening — takes a 
card and reads, "Be true and patient." Great pause. Theii 
rises slo\tly, pausing, thonghtful and says] "Be true and patient." 
(Interior closes) 

.•^CENE ir ACT III. 

Different people in different moods. The picnic party home- 
ward bound. Enter stage left talking and singing, pass leisurely 
across, exit stage, riglit. Enter Nina stage left, closely following 
party. Slowly. 

Nina : Ah ! What a hap]\y day this has been for mo ! 
Love and loved ! So much have T to thank Heaven for. I 
scarce know how to begin. This happiness is now to me — it 
scares me. I feel guilty^afraid to face my dear mistress. But 

whence this fear ? Havel sinned and how? I will hurry 

to my mistress, (discovers Fay who comes in right stage to meet 
her) She comes to meet me! And shr knows how" Edward 
loves me? — and how I love hin^ ? 

Fay : [embracing Nina] See Nina, I have come to meet 
thee! My impatience for news of Edward would not let me 
wait. Tell me all about my loved one ! Is he well? Is he hap- 
py ? Does he love me — tell me, Nina ! 

Nina : (staring at Fay coldly and abstractly) Love thee ! 
Who — loves thee ? 

Fay: Why — my Edward; didst tiiou not do my bidding? 
Speak ! 

Nina : (blandly — abrtractly, with effort) Yes thou 

dost love him, didst thou say ? Oh yes -lie he 

Fay: (frightened) Why Nina, dear, what ails thee ? Come 
lets into the house! (going. Fay's arm about Nin.a tenderly) 
Art thou ill? 

Nina : I gave him the purse. Oh Fay, my head 

aches, (exit right ; as soon as Fay and Nina exit, enter the priest 
and Sir John Mortimer, stage left.) 

Sir John : All I have told thee, is (luite true Father. 

Father Garbo : But hast thou told me all, my son? 

Sir John : All fiUher — quite all.^ 

Father Garbo : The church can grant thee pardon for such 
sins for five hundred })ounds. — Heaven will pardon thee ion, if 
thou wilt repent, and make amends. 



45 

Sir John : Five hun ! (iracious Father of tht; Holy 

Church, that sum ought to carry me to Paradise. 

Father Garho : Less would carry thee to everlasting tor- 
ment, to crawl and s juirm on hurning (;oals. It is for thee to 
choose John Mortimer. Wilt thou pay to the church and repent 

or wilt thou go on to destruction ? Come ! Thy answer 

Heaven or Hell ? Which shall it he? 

Sir Jolin : Give me time to consider — good Father. 
Father Garbo : No time is to be lost when a soul is at 
stake. To-morrow's sun may find thee a corpse. Answer now ! 
Which shall it be ? 

Sir John : Give mc but an hour, to consider ! 
Father Garbo : Your answer now ! 

Sir John : Five hundred pounds ! Aye, 'tis a goodly mm ! 
Five hundred— why— 'tis a small fortune— vfeW worth considering, 
good Father. 

Father Garbo: Y imv ansnrr I Now! 

Sir John : Good Father ! I might perchance say "hell"— 
whereas, if 1 had tin)e to consider, I might pay, and repent and 
say, "Heaven." 

Father Garbo: Ah! Foolish, weak man! Death already 
has its grip on thee! No time is to be lost. Choose noiv / 
Which shall it be, John Mortimer, Heaven or Hell? (at this 
period, Mortimer's pain, gout or rheumatism is intense, causing 
him to lose patience. He hobbles toward stage right, leaving the 
priest, who watches him. Mortimer, out of patience and in pain 
utters an oath) 

Sir John: Oh! Hell! (the priest outraged and angry 
starts left stage) I may change my mind ! (priest stops) Thy 
price is too high. 

Father Garbo : It will be too late ! The church will not be 
tamper?*^ with ! Farewell! (exit left) 

Sir John: Holy Father ! Stay! I— I will f/iw thee three 

hundred, (sees priest has gone) He's gone! Well let him 

g,) ! I've paid enough to the church already. The church will 
break me! I'd as leave to be in hell as to be penniless in En- 
gland! I had! I— had! (exit right) 

Here the slides open and shows up scene in the attic, the 
Jester's home) 



4G 
SCENE Til ACT Iir. , 

Interior. The Jester's lodging. A few old broken chairs 
and old table. A bowl and spoon and one or two dishes on ta- 
ble. A door back lei't of stage. The Jester discovered in chair 
left of table in shirt sleeves, elbow on table, head r(#^ting in hand. 
Little Edna in the rude bed at back of room. The Jester sighs. 

Edna: Edward give nie some water please. 

Jester: Yes darling! [gives her water] 

Edna: Thank thee brother; thou art so kind tome. 

Jester: (coming' l>ack to table) Poor child! She has 
tossed in fever all night long, (seated) What a world this is^- 
Sometimes I wonder if it is the world, or if it is me, that is so out 
of tune. Ah-well! (rising, goes to cupboard to find food) Onl}^ 

one little piece of bread left 1 luive eaten notliing since last 

night! Nothing more to pawn! Costumes — all ai"e gone, and 
now we are penniless and without food. One loaf! I must eat 
it ! (pause) Eat it up from her? No! 

Edna : Come here by me, Edward. 

Jester: What is it little one? 

Edna: I am -so hungry! .So hungry f 

Jester: See! Here is food for thee! I — I have food for 
thee : (goes to her) 

Edna : I can't (>at that Edward. It is ti)0 hard. Get 
more. 
/ Jestei' : (aside) She can't eat thisf The third time she 

has refused it. (he breaks it and bites I'avishly. A knc^ck is 
heard at door) Who can be coming hrrcl (goes to (lot)r, opens 
it) Well — what is it? (paupers beg- bread) You would have 
bread — food t(^, keej) life? (pause) Yes! yes! I will give it 
thee! I will give thee food, [produces the loaf] Here is life* — 
go eat! [he shuts the door, comes near to bed and says] Little 
one! We will starve together, [staggers on weakly tov\jpi'd table 
to chair] The end— can't b(> far. One day more and sweet re- 
lief will come, in form of death ! [Edna's cry for food is heard] 

That \rry ayain ! Oh Heaven ! Have i)ity 'tis driving me 

mad! Her cries torture"me, cut me like a knife. The skeleton 
hand of Poverty holds it lighted candle to show me the darkness 
that lies in my ^mil. My h;it ! My cloak ! [gets them on — 
])ause] U7/C7Y am 1 gnin^? To exhaust my strength with more 



17 



vain trviny? Nn! Lain Ei}(i'(iiitVx Slaref She nmsf — she -^/Ktll 
feed nie! [exit door] 

Edna: [in answer to loud knock at door] Come in! 
[knock] Come in ! 

Nina: [accompanied by Janu's who carries basket] Well 
James, this is one of the worst. 1 thought I heard a voice, 
[looking around] I see no one. 

James: [at bedside] Here it is — I have found it! Te-he! 
te-he ! 

Nina: [going to bedside] Ah — my dear! 

Edna : [slowly] Is tliere anything I i-an do for thee ? 

James: We've come to feed thee! Te-he! te-he! 

Nina : Yes my dear, I have come to bring thee food, [to 
James] James, keep silent 

Edna: Well, I guess I'm at t% service, [rising] What's 
that thou hast brought with thee? [pointing to James] 

Nina: Come, James! Bring the basket, [as she arranges 
table] Where are the rest of the family? How many are in 
your faniily ? 

Edna : The rest of the family have (<-lutches at chair ; 

is weak — falls) 

Nina : (to her aid) Why, dear, what ails thee ? Thou art 
ill! 

Edna: The rest of the family : there aint but two of us — 
have gone out. I'm not exactly ill, just need a little gruel to 
brace me up. [spies the basket of food and makes a dash for it] 
Say, if it is not a secret, my good feHow, what hast thou in the bas- 
ket? (seizing a bowl of gruel and a loaf) Food— by gravy! 
(gets flat down on lioor and goes to eating. Nina and James 
look on dazed) I say, my lady— I'll be with you later. I say ! 
My good fellow ! 

James : Te-he ! te-he ! te-he ! te-he. 

Edna: (dumb founded, looking from Nina to James) Hey! 
hey ! ney ! It's funny aint it? What's to laugh at? 

James: Te-he ! te-he ! I wasn't laughing. 

Edna : Ah ! ah ! ah ! Barest thou lie to me, boy ? 

Nina : Where is thy mother, little one ? 

Edna : (busy eating) Don't kno — op ! Never had any ! 

Nina: Strange! 'V\niere is thy father, then? 

Edna : Don't kno— oj) ! Never had none of them neither. 



48 

Nina : Well, who lives here? 

Edna : Me ! Me and my brother — ^Ir. Edward 

Mabb, Esquire, Junior, whom men call "The Jester." 

Nina: [starting at this revelation] "Edward?" "The 

Jester"? Is he thy brother, child? 

Edna : Y — e — s! He's a mighty good bcbther too. 

Nina: (aside) Heavens! (to Edna) Where is he? 

Edna: (interested) Well, I don't know exactly. Don't 
owe thee or Mr. James anything does he? [getting uj) and go- 
ing to James at table] I say, Mr. James — wilt thou leave a little 
of this re — cu — per — a — tion for my brother? He will be back 
in a while and he's hungry as me. 

James : Great Holies ! Te-he ! te-he ! te-he ! 
, Edna: "Great Holies !Jfe-he 1 te-he! te-he !"' Boo! Boo! 

Nina : Yes my dear, we will leave thee a supply. Come, 
tell me all about thy brother, [to James] James, wait at the 
carriage for me. [exit James, laughing] How long, little one, 
hast thou been without food? And where can Edward be? 

Edna : [on table still eating] Well, its been about — a long 
time since we had mwh to eat. Edward lost his place at the 
play liouse and he has not been very well. He can't sleep. Sits 
up in a chair all night. Then /got sick and he had to buy some 
medicine for me. He don't get hungry much — gives it all to me. 
We have been living here ever since old grandma died. Oh ! She 
was awful mean — cussed, got drunk and heat me I We are awful 
glad she's dead too. 

Nina : How long has thy grandmother been dead? 

Edna: Don'4 kno' — Dont care — glad of it! How come 
thee to be here? Who sent thee? 

Nina! God sent me. — 

Edna: Hey! — did he? I'm nwful glad of it — wish he'd 
sent thee sooner. Will He send thee again? Art th(^u his 
dmiAjhter or his wife ? 

Nina : He is my Father, and a good F'ather he is. 

Edna : Did he give thee clothes ? 

Nina: Aye! And more too! I was an or})han, poor and 
friendless and he cared for me, and comforted me. 

Edna: Whew! Must be awful rich. Do you say your 
prayers every night before you go to bed ? 

Nina: Yes, dear; and often in the day. 



4'.l 

Ediua : Lots of trouble aint it ? 1 say my prayers ■sonietliiie^ 
— God don't give me anything. 

Nina : Aye, but he will — some day. He knows what is best 
for thee. We are all His children. He love^ us. 

Edna: Does he? (a little surprised. Puts bowl aside. 
Wipes her mouth and gets slowly down from table — very serious 
and thoughtful) 1 know a little prayer. Edward taught it to 
me. (pause, a little embarrassed l)ecause Nina does not speak or 
look at her) Lady — good lady, wilt thou let me kneel here by 
thee and ask God something? I — I wont soil thy dr.^ss. 

Nina: (kissing her) Certainly darling. 

Edna: (kneels, Nina's face radient with happiness. Her 
})rayer is a silent one — slow music) Dear God, we are awful poor. 
We have no fatlier, no mothi'r. We havn't got much of any- 
thing. We don't want very much. When you get through help- 
ing the rich peo|jle and the fine })eoph', and if there is anything 
left, wont you give some of it to us? Edward says mamma and 
pa'pa are up there where you are. They can tell you all about us. 
Dear God, thou wilt n(jt let us starve, wilt thou? And wilt thou 
not give us a friend, just like this lady. She's awful kind and 
pretty, and ><he hasn't got any father nor mother neither. I be- 
lieve that's all dear God. If Mrs. Mabb is up there, please don't 
tell her that I broke the yellow soup bowl. She'd be awful an- 
gry. And now dear God, let us come and live in Heaven where 
papa and mamma is — when we die. Oh dear God, you have so 
many poor little boys and girls to look after and to feed. Please 
don't forget vs. Amen! (Nina puts her arms about Edna and 
kisses her) 

[Curtain on Act ?>.] 



ACT 4th— SCENE 1st. 

A road scene— enter the Jester stage left; shows signs of a 
conflict; exhaustion— stealthily takes a bottle of stimulents from 
under his coat — drinks. Shows signs of feeling better. 

Jester: Thanks to England! Here's to her health! And 

here is a loaf too for the little one. Ah ! What a tussle I 

had with that fat baker; he threw me down, but when he 
thought to sit on me, I was gone! Ha! ha! ha! What merry 
times we poor devils do have ! (sees some one coming r) Some 



50 



one coming ! (iiides bottle and loaf in his coat) 

James : (running in stage right) I say sir, canst thou tell 
me where Father Garbo is ? Sir John Mortimer is dying and 
cries for the Priest ! 

Jester: What wants ho with the Priest — he is not deiid yd 
is he? 

James : Oh no sir ! Te-he ! tc-he ! He wants to confess 
his sins. He is going to die — wants to confess. 

Jester: (aside) Wants to confess. Perha})S he knows who 
my father was. I shall never forget that night on the lawn witli 
Sir John, (aloud) Thou didst say, Sir Jolin is dying, my good 
fellow? 

James : We think he is sir; about once a week we think he 
is going to die — but he disappoints us. It is .my duty to run 
for the Priest, and when he comes Sir John fills him up on wine 
and sends him home. Te-he, etc. 

Jester: (laughs) Now do thou run back m_y good fellow; 
I am young and swift of foot. Til have the Priest at Sir John's 
bedside in half the time! 

James: Thanks! Thanks! Put dost thou know where Sir 
John lives ? 

Jesier: The castle on Hamilton road — the great one with 
the lawn. 

James : (going) Thou sayest right sir. Thou art a gentle- 
man ! Te-he 1 te-he! (exit r) 

Jester: "A gentleman." That comes with (franf/.ng a favor. 
Had I a><ked a favor, he would have called me a fool — vagabond. 
He., the slave, would have called me this? Yes, every one seems 
to have a right to curse the poor ! (said sadly) Rut come, 'tis 
not the time now to tarry. Every man has his chance ! Why 
what right has a uum to place himself above his fallow creature 
and say, "/ am better than thou?" Weaker men than I have 
slept on the purple couch ; though stronger men have found 
peace only in death ! 'Tis chance ! Chance ! And every man 
has a chance! Im.nM henr that covfcftsion. But how ? I have it'! 
— have I not impersonated men, both great and lowly, at yonder 
play house? A)m?, I have lived their very lives in mockery. So 
to-night, ril play the Priest with a gentle, holy heart, though it 
do land me in London Tower ! The Jester — the fool versus 
Priest! Ha! ha! ha! ha! Methinks I have missed mv calling. 



I should liave been a fat Friar. Had Fate played a ditleront 
game, jesters Avould have been monks, and monks would have 
been angels. Mcphisto ! — exit Jester! enter Priest! (business) 
Have I not always possessed a most solemn mien, (mimic) 
(tauglis) Wliat Priest can dolf a cup of wine; more gracefully 
than Edward, th(! Jester, (drinks from the bottle) Priest? 
Nay, I should have been a merry Pope, [laughs] Never too 
late, to-night I'll make my debut as Father Garbo at Sir John's 
death bed ! [going left] First, this loaf and wine to the little 
. one, then away to the chapel! I know his room — creep noise- 
lessl}' in, steal his gown and crucifix, then back again as fast as 
my leg-^ will carry me! Ha! ha! ha! Oh! Fd rather be a Jes- 
ter th;in a king ! [runs left, exit laughing heartily] 

Jack Robinson : [enter r, intoxicated and drinking from 
bucket] Sure and this is the longest -lay Fve ever seen. I won- 
der what time it is. [drinks] Empty! But it's me that's full. 
Sure and Fd like to sell the bucket. I wonder what time o'day 
it is! Flore comes a nice gentleman. FU ask him the time 
o'day. [enter well-dressed gentleman — walks across the stage, 
pays no heed to Jack, exit] Good mornin' to thee this evening. 
It's a very fine evening this morning. I say, can ye tell me what 
time o'night it is? Thanks! One of Edison's walking dress 
figures. Latest invention ! Ah ! Here comes a pretty body. 
Sweet little school girl just from school, [rough old woman en- 
ters r] Ah there ! My pretty maid, laid in shade ! I beg thy 
pardon. Canst thou to me toll the time o'day ? 

Old Woman : Can ye tell me how many days in this week? 

Jack : About ten, if T remenaber right. Wait— let me 
think. 

Old Woman : Are ye going to think ? Don't ye'll drop 

dead ! 

Jack: Ah— go to school ! Now let me see there are sev- 
enty-five days in this month, and Fve got twenty shillings com- 
ing to me. 1 say, let me sell ye these buckets. 

Old Woman : Those buckets ? 

Jack : Well, now that's what I i)redicted Don't stand 
there and stare at me ! Fm no bucket shop. 

Old Woman : Why, ye havn't got but one bucket there ! 
Thou art a cheat. What wilt thou take for it? 

Jack : Thou art another! There are eleven buckets! 



/• 



52 

Old VVoiiiiui : Well, I onl}' see one. 

Jack : Well I fell down eleven times, and every time I got 
up I picked up a bucket. 

Old Woman: Good day sir! My lime is valuable 1 
(exit 1) 

Jack: So is mine I l>ut tbc government pays for my time, 
(bus) Not drunk, but drin Icing! (sings and try to dance) I 
say, old boy, stand up; folios will tbink tbou art drunk, (dances) 
I'zn drunk ! I'm drunlv and i'm glad of it. 

(Tbe Jester enters i, disguised as priest, goes up to Jack, 
slaps bim on tbe back) Ocb ! Holy Fatiier, and is it tbee— your 
— your majesty ! (l)o\vs, removes bat — goes down on one knee) 

Jester: Jack Robinson, it is a most unboly life tbou art 
leading; spending tby money for drinli, wbile tbe poor starve 
around tbee. 

Jack : Sure Holy Fatber, and I gave me last sbilling to tbe 
poor. 

Jester: To wbom gavest tbou money, raiment or food, my 
son ? 

Jack ; I helped 'em all, good Father. I helped — Edward, 
the Jester — 

Jester: Stop! My son, tby tongue speaketh false! Thou 
liest ! For in yonder garret, Edward, wbom men call tlie Jester, 
and his little orphan sister are starving for bread. Up, and away! 
And may the devil fly away with tbee, if tbou changest not tby 
ways ! 

Jack: (trembling) Yes, Fatber! 

Jester: Thou hast broken tbe commandments! (as Jester 
makes accusation : Jack all in a tremor, answers, "Yes, Father!"'] 
Thou hast stolen! Tbou bast lied! Hast tbou ten pounds? 
Well, give it to me ! I am waiting. Ten pounds, I say ! 

Jack: [breaking and running oft* left] Yes Fatber! 

Jester: [laughing heartily and going oft'r] N(jw for con- 
fession number two! 

ACT IV. — SCENE II. 

The confession. Sir John's room. [Sir, John in invalid 
chair or on couch stage r. near front. Room elegantly furn-ished. 
A large curtained exit b. c. and side door 1. c] Sir John dis- 
covered in chair, eyes closed as asleep. Lady Mortimer seated 



-iA 



at table c. and James standing at door b. c.) 

Lady Mortimer: James! A glass of water. 

Sir John : Is the Priest coming? 

Lady Mortimer : Yes dear ; do be quiet. 

Sir John : James ! James ! I say, is the Priest coming? 

James: Yes, my Lord! 

Sir John : How? Did I not tell thee how to address me? 
Don't dare call me "my Lord" again ! 

Lady Mortimer : (coming to Sir John's side) Go away 
James. Do be quiet John. Thou wilt wreck thy nervous sys- 
tem. (James gets in his laugh as he stands in b. c. door) 

Nina: (enters door b. c. in walking costume, hat, etc. — 
leads little Edna by hand — little Edna in same ragged costume. 
Nina motions to Lady Mortimer who joins her near door. They 
converse in whisper, pointing occasionally to Edna who is busy 
looking at the walls and furniture. Lady Mortimer stoops and 
kisses Edna. Edna makes a wry face and wipes away the kiss 
with sleeve. Nina takes Edna by haad n<)vv, and going towards 
the door 1. c. says) Come little one!' This way! (exit door 1. 
c. Edna somewhat reluctant as she is looking back at the room 
and Sir John) . ' 

Sir John : Oh! Why don't the laggard come on? I sayl 
Lady Mortimer, come; here. Yesterday I had some words with 
Father Garbed, made him angry ; perhaps he will not come. 

James : (at door b. c.) My Lord, the Priest comes ! Te-he! 
te-he ! 

Sir John : Show him Jn ! Show him in ! (the Jester stands 
in door b. c. at the words. Lady Mortimer bows in reverence be- 
fore him) The laggard Priest ! (falls back, exhausted) 

Jester: (deep voice) Hold! (come b. c. of stage) And is 
it thus thou wouldst address a Priest of the church of Pvome? 
The Priest, from whom alone thy forgiveness may come ? (to 
Lady Mortimer and James) My children, go thou in peace ; I 
would be alone with Sir John, (exit James). But stay, my 
daughter ; bri'ng hither wine and lunch— lunch for two- 
Lady Moriimev : (surprise) Lunch for two — Father? (Sir 
John's couch or chair has back to stage r. c, thus ho is unable to 
see what is going on. He is too weak and scared to raise up and 
look around) 

Jester: (coquetishly) Nay not, "two Father," but lunch 



54 

for two, and phinty of good wine. Now come, my child, know 
that the church must bo obeyed. Ha! ha! (bus. with Lady 
Mortimer; arm around her; Sir .Jolm grows restless. When 
Lady Mortimer puts her head on Jester's breast, James puts head 
in door b. c.) 

James: (aside) Holy Moses! Adam and Eve ! (gets off 
laugh — exit) 

Jester ; Now tell me my pretty child, how is she — the 
other— thy pretty daughter Fay ? 

Lady Mortimer : Almost a grown woman now Father, and 
growing prettier every day. 

Jester: Like her mother, eh? (bus) My angel child! In- 
deed now, 'pon my faith, one might mistake the mother for the 
daughter, (bus) Young, eh ? Pretty, eh ? Such eyes and such 
lips ! (kisses her) 

James : (putting head in door, speaks, exits) Getting 
young in his old age, eh? Hugging little angels, Te-he! te-he ! 

Lady Mortimer : Oh tliou art a dear good Father to it.s. 
(exit b. c.) 

Jester : [aside] Wouldn't she make a gay widow ! Hem ! 
Hem ! Oh ! I liad quite forgotten the defunct member of the 
firm, (to Sir John) My son, thou has sent for me? I am 
here ! 

Sir John: (with foar) Thou art not angrv with me, 
Father? 

Jester: (aside) That's a fact, I am angry, [aloud] My 
son, thy sins against thy fellow creature and the church, are 
many. [Sir John pretends to cry] How ! canst thou hope for 
forgiveness with no penance but tears? 

Sir John : I have money. I can buy. I have lands and 
tenants, I will give liberally to the church. [The Jester during 
this speech wanders curiosly about the room. Discovers a mir- 
ror. Business] The church has pardons to sell. I will buy not 
beg. How much. Father, must I pay to receive full forgiveness? 
How much ? 

Jester : [at 1. c. bus.] Oh ! About one thousand pounds, 
[loses his character at times] [aside] I wonder if that's too 
much ! 

Sir John : Too much ! Quite too much good Father. 

Jester: [his mind not on Sir John] Too much? Then 



55 

I'll take off a little. [wii)es a little powder or rouge from his 
face] 

Sir John : Do I pray thee, Holy Father. 
Jester : [coming r c to 8ir John's side] My son, long h.ast 
thou tampered with the church. I had souglit to make death 
and the future easy for thee, [quickly] But I can name no 
terms until I have heard thy full confession. 

Sir John : Good Father, I told thee all when we were to- 
gether last. [Jester is staggered, but collects himself] I told 
thqe all ! 

Jester: Dost thou think to deceive the Holy Priest? My 
son, there is a greater power than that of man. An Omnipotent 
Father, who knows our every thought and deed. Thou canst 
trick mnnkind, but the High Power — never! Confess thy sins 
now, e'er 'tis too late ! 

Sir John : [weak] I will, good Father — I will. 
Lady Mortimer: [b c door with tray] Holy Father. 
Jester: Yes, my love ! Thou art a good soul, [takes her 
tray] As soon as he is gone, I shall hold a consultation with 
thee my child. Go now, we must be alone, [exit Lady Morti- 
mer— Jester laughs, puts chair to table, sits down to eat and 
drink— Sir John groans. Jester remembers him] Oh-ah-hem 1 
Now I am ready my son, proceed ? 

Sir John: Shall I begin from the first? 
Jester: [eating, his mouth full] Y-e-p! 
Sir John : My father was Lord Mortimer, owner and Lord 
of Downer Castle. He had three children— a daughter and two 
sons. The daughter's name was Edna and the other son was 
christened Calvin. The daughter died at the age of fifteen, leav- 
ing only two to sliare the estate with our mother. Calvin, my 
brother, was my fathers favorite— a wild, reckless sort of a chap. 
People say he was much like my father when he was young. Cal- 
vin and I never agreed upon any subject— he was too merry. 1 
don't like fools. I like sturdy men. I was older than Calvin, 
his ways were not suited to mine. I was an older and a wiser 
man. tie was a lucky dog. I always thought the estate un- 
equally divided, but I was too wise to complain. Soon after 
Lord Mortimer's death, his good widow died. We suspected her 
property would be divided between Calvin and myself, but not 
so. She was a cunning old cat. Calvin had in the meantime 



56 

married the Earl of Roolcfoi-d's daughter. Calvin was a lucky 
dog. Beside being tlie owner of great estate, he was the husband 
of Fay Mortimer, the n)ost gentle and the fairest woman in En- 
gland. She refused my hand to accept C^Jivdn. Two children 
were born of Calvin, the lucky dog; a boy christened Edward 
and a girl — Fay. Well, as I was going to say, the old lady, our 
mother, had unbeknown to us, made a will, in which she gave all 
her possessions to Calvin's oldest child, the boy, Edward Rock- 
ford Mortimer. This angered me. I lost control of my temper, 
but thou wilt forgive me good Fjither? 

Jester: [pours out wine] Oh — small matter, certainly! 
Go on 

Sir John : I lost control of myself, and determined to satis- 
fy my ill humor. I went about to raise a large sum of money, 
with which I intended to buy the land surrounding my brother's 
estate — 

Jester: [aside] Wanted the earth, [drinks] 

Sir John : — If I could have succeeded in buying the sur- 
rounding lands, T could have shut him in and thus jmt an end to 
his good luck. My finances were low. I went to Calvin to bor- 
row a sufficient sum, saying wdiat I liad was under mortgage, 
and I wanted one hundred thousand })ounds. He could easily 
have spared me this — he was the richest Lord in all England. 
We were walking through the deer park. I lost my temper when 
he refused to let nle have the sum I asked. We came to words, 
then to l)lows and I — I — 

Jester: [all intensity, springs to his feet. Little Edna, who 
has peeped into room [door 1 c] several times, sli])S in and gets 
under table, unseen by the two men. Bus. of reaching up on 
table and getting bread. She hears all. Nina soon appears in 
same door and listens] Well 1 What didst thou? 

Sir John : It was an accident good Father! I^I loved my 
brother, but my sword slipped, good Father, and pierced Calvin's 
heart. 

Jester-: Thou didst murder him? Oh! Cain! Cain! 

Sir John : Be not harsh with me good Father ; the sin weighs 
heavily on my soul. Grant me pardon. I'll give thee great 
wealth. 

Jester: [tears] Pardon, for the murderer of my innocent — 
of thy brother. [Madly clutcliing blade from tal)l(^] Yes, here 



it is! How it is I Fil L>-ive it thee — 

Edna : (as Jester ajipears to strike — gof>s noiselessly to liiin, 
takes the blade and says) Brother! feoes 1. e. door to Nina, 
both outside) 

Jester: Go on, lets hear the end. I am ealm. 

Sir John : I was never suspected of the murder, (^ne of his 
tenants was hanged for the crime. 

Jester: Another murder upon thy accursed soul! 

Sir John: I found Calvin's will and changed it — thereby 
making his widow and two children penniless. But I jn-oposed 
to do well l:)y them, ofi'ered to take care of them in my home. 

Jester: Yes, with Calvin's money. 

Sir John : The beautiful Fay, who once rejected me as a 
lover, hated, aj'e, suspected me. She was too proud to eat my 
bread — wandered away and in three short weeks she followed 
Calvin. 

Jester : Another murder upon thy soul ! (aside) My poor 
mother. 

Sir John: I took the two children into my care, intending, 
good Father, to do well by them when they were of age. In the 
mean-time my wife, Lady Mortimer, gave birth to a girl. My 
brother's children were noisy, and as my wife was of a nervous 
temperament. I determined to send them away. My wife com- 
manded me to do so. The idea of a female heir, angered me. I 
was determined to get rid of my own child too. But, when the 
time came to dispense with the three children ; the little daughter 
of my brother, with her great tender eyes came to me and put 
her little arms around my neck and said : "Papa," thou wilt let 
no harm come to thy little Fay, wilt thou ?" So much was she 
like the only woman I ever loved, I could not part with her. So 
I kept her and she is now 18 years of age. Lady Mortimer be- 
lieves her own child, dead. An old friend of mine, Mrs. 
Mabb, has been hired by me to care of the boy, Edward, and my 
own little girl whose natne is Edna. They are well kept and 
want for nothing, good Father. 

Jester : Fay, then is not thy daughter ? 

Sir John : No, she is my niece, but like a daughter. 

Jester: (aside) Fay — my sister/ (aloud) Where is she 
now ? 

Sir John : She will not consent to snv choice of a husband, 



and I have lier iMcke-.l in her mom. She v,'ill not obey me. 
Jester: ITt)\v 'long has slie been ])risoned tliere ? 
Sir John : Four days. Father, but I will release her to 
night. 

Jest(M': Thy lorother's will, papers, certificates — where are 
they? I mv4 have them. In my keeping only will they be 
safe. 

Sir John: In yonder casket, Holy Father, here is the key. 
Wait till I am dead, then — then thou niayest keep them for me. 
I — I can not live long— come closer good Father; I — I have yet 
more to confess. I coveted riches, got money by foul means and 
fair. That is all Father. I have paid thee well, and my sins are 
forgiven, are they not, good Father? 

Jester: (vehemently) No! Pray and pray fervently to thy 
Maker! Riches cannot buy what thou needest! (ciuickly to 1 c, 
s(^izes casket, put it under his robe) 

Sir John : (partly ri.'^ing) How? Come! I am tired of 
this ! 

Jester: (rushing at him r c) Down tyrant and murderer! 
Every door of hell is open now, and the devil will welcome thee! 

Sir John : Oh ! Oh ! (fa!ls back in chair — swoon) 

Jester: (l)ending over Sir John) Asleep! (putting casket 
on table — pouring out wine) Lord of Downer Castle and Earl 
ofRockford! A Jester fit to amuse the royalty of England, 
(drinks) Perhaps I'll be king of England some day, who knows, 
(drinks) Although I am "Jester Earl" at present. The richest (a 
little drunk) man in England, and I hav'nt a penny, (drinks) 
The penniless Earl! (laughs) But I must not tarry here; I 
must to the C'ourts of Justice! I wonder what little Edna is do- 
ing here, (at door listening 1 c) My ! W'hat a handsome Earl 
I'll make. '^ Where got yon those eyesf I see now wdiat it all 
meant, (draws garb about him) The Priest! (laughs) The 
Pope should be envious, (noise without) Some one is coming; 
I must away ! (goes to door b c — looks out ; returns to Sir John 

and hisses in his ear) Farewell! rUnrle ! (laughs heartily, 

rushes out door b c and quickly returns) The real Priest is com- 
ing ! 1 am lost 1 (voices outside) Where shall I hide? How 
escap." ? 

Edna: (in door 1 c) This way Edward, quick! 

.'ester: Thaidcs ! thanks! Thou art an Angel! (kisses Ik^-) 



iCdna: No! The augol is in Ium'c. Conio quick ! (exit) 

Lady Mortimer: (enter b c) The Priest gone? (re.) 
•John, d<'ar ! Asleep ! 

James: (b e) Father (larbo — seeond edition! Te-he ! 
te-lie ! 

Father Garl^o : (b c) Good day my ebildren ! How is the 
sufferer ? 

Lady Mortimer: He is just as thou didst leave him, good 
Father; only he is sleeping now, and resting easy. 

Father Garbo : ''As I left him?" Why cliild — what mean- 
est thou ? • 

Sir John : (arousing) I say, good Father, deal honestly 
with me and remember thy promise — -not to open the casket un- 
til I am dead. 

Father Garbo : (puzzled) I understand thee not. I have 
not been here till now. Speak })lainly, I pray thee. 

Sir John: How? Why I made my confession to thee with- 
in the hour; and I did pay thee well. 

Lady Mortimer: Indeed, good Father, he speaks the truth. 

Father Garbo: (vehemently) flow? Who has dared play 
the impostor? Thou hast been robbed! Cheated! — by an im- 
postor. 

(Enter James door b. c.; Nina 1. c. followed by Edna-Bus). 

Sir John : (getting from chair) And thou art the false one ! 

Father Garbo: (b. c.) How dai-est thou! (addressing all 
present) Go! my children, and cry out to all England this out- 
rage, and say that the Holy Church offers one hundred thousand 
pounds for the discovery and capture of the impostor! ! 

Jester: (rushing in door 1. c. with crucifix and gown in one 
hand and casket under left arm) Hold ! The reward is mine! 

Sir John: (aside) 'Tis he,— my lirother's child, and he^ 
has the casket! 

Father Garbo: Who speaks? 

Jester: He whom men do call "the Jester,"— "the fool," — 
a lad whom the world has w^ronged, cheated and cursed, at the 
word of a monster in the form of man,— there he is,— my Uncle, 
Sir John Mortimer! 

m n es : How? ' T i s false ! 

Father (Tar])o : Thy proofs and thy name? 

Jester: (aside down 1. c.) I have no witnesses to his con- 



fession, but I have the casket and the pa{)er8. 

Nina: (leading Edna) Good father, we did, unol)served, 
hear Sir John's foul confession to the false priest. 

Father (larbo : Let tlie accuser speak. Come lad, thy proofs 
and thy nanie. Si)eak, or tliou must j)ay for thy bold words. 
Tliy name aiid thy proofs? Who art thou? 

• Jester: (c. priest r. c. or b. c.) Edward, Earl of Rockford! 

Omnes: Thy proofe! 

Jester: [c.] They are here, — this casket, which I took b}' 
FORCE from the p^Af.SE PRIEST as lie was making his escape! 
[When the cui'tain goes down, Sir John with a, groan falls back in 
chair i*. e. j'ront; Lady Mortimer r. e., head bov;ed; James at door 
i). c. gets off laugh; priest b. c; Jester kneeling one knee — holds 
out casket to jvriest; Nina and Fay each hold a hand of Edna 1. c 
—Edna dancing, and etc. A raise of curtain. Jester and Edna 
Bus.; priest with p^apers, casket (^pen — looks angrily at Sir John; 
Sir John in agony and fear.] Curtain, Fourth Act. 

ACT V. 

The Earl of Rockford, at home '• till further notice." A 
handsome stage setting. Stairs of marble 1>. c. if convenient and 
statuary, draperies, etc. This can be made a great specialty act. 

James: [enter 1. u. o. singing] I've got a new master, I 
must work faster. There is no telling what a day may bring forth. 
Master was a poor jester in the streets, but the wind changed and 
blew him into Earldom. A good master he is too. Just to think, 
— I have been working for an old thief r.nd a murderer. Ugh! 
ugh! But he has gone away to America now and will never re- 
turn. [Edna singing without.] There is the little one again. 
She has been following me about all over the castle. I never saw 
the like of her. [enter Edna 1. u. e., with great dignity. A long 
dress with train and a fan.] Slic walks like the queen of Eng- 
land. [Bus. Edna does not say a word, Ivat follows him about, 
using her fan, nt>v(M' changing expression of face. Ho moves 
about to avoid her and finally, greatly emliarrassed, he runs out 
1. u. e. laughing. Edna follows slowly wnth the same air she en- 
tered.] 

J^^ster: [enter r. u. e. followed l)y Ins forenian] Tell them, 
furthc-rmore, tliat the old system of government used by my father 
will 1)0 re-instated, and justice shall be to all. [crossing on slowly 
to lower entrance hi't.l Tliere is o;ie more order I -would like to 



t;i 
insert for the good and happiness of my loyal subjects. Sir John 
has imposed greatly upon their loyalty and their humility. Say 
to them that "while Edward, Earl of Rockford and Lord of 
Downer castle lives, they shall pay only half the usual rent." To 
them, well wishes and happiness; the greeting of their lord and 
master, [exit both.] 

Fay: [1. u. e. arm in arm with Nina, crossing to down r. to 
settee] No, Nina, I can not bear to part with thee now. Wilt 
thou not stay with us and share our fortune? Faithful thou 
hast been ; it will break my heart to part with thee. 

Nina: My cousin, of France has dispatched for me; he is an 
old man and my only living relative. But oh, Fay! — I can never 
forget thee and thy kindness and sisterly love. Each day, I shall 
])ray God to bring us together in the world to come, where our 
mothers are. 

Fay: Hast thou spoken to Edward? 

Nina: No — no, Faj^ — I — I — thou wilt tell him all forme, — 
I can not — tell him, I can not say farewell to him. 

Fay: He comes! Speak with him [goes 1. u. e, to meet jes- 
ter.] 

Jester: [embracing Fay] Ah! My darling little sister, I 
have searched everywhere for thee! Good morning, Nina. 

Nina: [aside] Oh, I can not tell him. My heart is break- 
ing, [down r. c. at settee.] 

Fay: Nina would speak with thee, she is going to leave us. 
She comes to say farewell. I will join thee presently. 

Jester: [cross to r. c] Going to [exit Fay 1. u. e.: jester 

tries to speak. Pause. Takes Nina's hand.] Nina: [rising, not 
looking in jester's face] Yes, — my 1'ord 

Jester : [aside] " My lord ?" 

Nina: I have come to say farewell — to — to thank thee for 
all thy kindness — to — to wish thee much — much, — I am going to 
my cousin, my only living relative, in France. He hath sent for 
me. I am about to obey him. Thou art a great Earl now,— I 
wish thee much happiness and my prayers shall.be for our meet- 
ing in God's Home, — the world above, — 

Jester: Nay,— I pray thee speak not thus. Heaven can not 
be more beautiful than this world seems to me now. It is the 
first glorious day of my new life. Music and sunshine! When 
thou leavest me. this new-found world is darkened and the music 



diGS aw ly with the souiitl of thy voice, [closer to her] Dost 
thou love me, Nina? 

Nina: Oh, sir! — do not mock me, — do not speak — 

Jester: Dost thou love me, Nina? 

Nina: [hand stili in jester's, his arm about her.] I — I — 

Jester: Dost thou love me, Nina? 

Nina : Oh, sir — thou art a great Eari, and I, — I am a friend- 
less, penniless orphan, — 'twould be mockery to speak of — 

Jester: With the just God, whose children all are we, both 
best, and worst, there is no fast nor first/ [Pause.] Dost tliou love 
me, Nina? [Greatly embarrassed — Nina turns quickly to him 
and buries her face in his bosom.] Thon dost! Thou dost! 
[embracing her and leading oil" front lefr entrance, his arm 
about her.] The gi'andest "yes" — I ever knew! 

Edna: [enter r, u. e. in time to witness] Whew ! [to Jack 
Robinson outside] Come on! Come on! This way, Mr. Jack/ 
[enter Jack, hat in hand, dressed neatly] This way, me hoy/ 
Aint this a fine castle we live in ? And its all ours — paid for — 
got the pa})ers on 'em ! 

Jack : [r. c] Sure, and it is a fine place, — so much better 
than the old room in the attic. ^^ 

Edna: Right thou art, me hoy — Mr. Jack. 

Jack: But where is Master Edward — I mean the Earl — er — 

Edna: Oh, he will be here presently. He has a little en- 
gagement on the lawn. 

Jack: I say, little onf, do reckon he'll speak to me? 

Edna : Sure ! 

Jack: And shake hands wid me? 

Edna: Sure! Why not? He will be mighty glad to see 
thee, I bet! 

Jack: Well, thou must know, little one, that wealth and 
rank make a great deal of change, in England. It is not man 
that makes the jnoney — but money that makes the man. 

Edna: (jumping from seat and rushing 1. u. e. to meet jester 
' who enters with Fay and Nina, an arm around each) Oh, Ed- 
ward! Edward! Mr. Jack's here! — Come to see thee. 

Jester: (discoveringv Jack and crossing to him) Ah, 
Jack ! My bo}', I'm devilish glad to see thee. (shake hands 
heartily) Permit me to introduce to thee, my sister, Lady Fay 
and the future Lady Edward of Rockford castle. (Nina) And 



f/i/'s little one is — is — yes she is iny sister — my younger sister Lady 
Edna- 
Edna: Why, Jack — yes Jack and I are old friouh. Arnt 
we, Jack? 

Jack: Indeed we arc. (all laugh). 

Jester: Bye-the-bye Jack, — L need a good man. I know it 
will be a great sacrifice for thee to quit the play-house — but I 
need a j^layer — some one to make us laugh. Come and live here 
at Rockford castle. I'll give thee a home and an allowance of 
five thousand pounds per annum for the rest of thy life. 

Jack: Great Holies! Oh, I shall be delighted, thanks! 
thanks! But I say — Master Edward — wont that be cheating 
thee? (all laugh) I'll come, and may the Holies bless thee for 
thy remembrance of an old comrade! 

Edna: Yes, Mr. Jack, but Edward aint no more like he used 
to be. 

Jester: Why, little one, what is the matter? 

Edna: Thou Avilt never play with me again, nor tell me 
pretty fairy tales; and thou wilt never dance and make me have 
a good time any more, (all laugh). 

Fay: Our brother, little one, has the duties and responsi- 
bilities of an Earl. Many lives depend upon his actions. Come, 
sister Fay and Nina will play with thee. Edward is no longer a 
Jester. 

Jester: (c.) No. But he has the Jester's heart! So come, 
little one!— all, and we will join in memory of the past. Come 
Jack, do thy duty. (They dance. Curtain falls. End). 



" "13 775 627 8 



Coamvation BeMKurces 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




015 775 627 8 # 



